Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trackside blaze disrupts rail services to and from London Paddington

Firefighters were called to the fire at Maidenhead train station at around 7am on Wednesday.

Matilda Head
Wednesday 29 March 2023 09:13 EDT
A trackside electrical fire at Maidenhead train station in Berkshire, which has caused large-scale disruption to rail services from Reading into London Paddington (Network Rail/PA)
A trackside electrical fire at Maidenhead train station in Berkshire, which has caused large-scale disruption to rail services from Reading into London Paddington (Network Rail/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Commuters face delays into the evening after a trackside electrical fire caused large-scale disruption to rail services to and from London Paddington.

Firefighters were called to the fire at Maidenhead train station at around 7am on Wednesday, which triggered cancellations as trains were terminated at Reading.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said services between Paddington and Reading will be disrupted until the end of the day.

A spokesperson said: “Two of four lines have reopened, however, services between Reading and Paddington may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.”

Crews from Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor fire stations were sent to the scene

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Services between Hereford and Worcester Shrub Hill, and Marlow and Maidenhead are also experiencing cancellations.

Elizabeth Line services have also been impacted, with no services running between Maidenhead and Reading. They are also reporting severe delays between Hayes & Harlington and Maidenhead.

Network Rail said it was investigating the cause of the fire, but that it was “too early to speculate”.

A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews from Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor fire stations were sent to the scene.

“Upon arrival, crews discovered an electrical fire alongside the railway. Using a dry powder hose reel, firefighters extinguished the fire.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in