Severe rail disruption continues after derailment in south-east London

Severe rail disruptions continued across south-east London on Wednesday after an early morning derailment and a signal failure disrupted services on Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express routes. The incidents, which occurred at Selhurst depot and between Norwood Junction and London Bridge, led to widespread cancellations, delays of up to 60 minutes, and revised schedules. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the operator of these networks, issued a rare 'do not travel' alert, urging passengers to avoid the network if possible to manage demand. The derailed train, which remained upright and caused no injuries, blocked the depot, preventing other trains from leaving. The disruption is expected to persist throughout the day, with 134 trains out of position overnight, potentially affecting Thursday's morning rush hour. Passengers were advised to check for updates before traveling, as the signaling fault reduced the number of available lines and forced trains to operate at slower speeds. Commuter Liz Wells described her journey from East Croydon to London Bridge as taking 90 minutes instead of the usual 20, highlighting overcrowded platforms and trains with only three carriages. Other passengers, including an 18-year-old named Harry and his friend Adi, reported significant delays and frustration among travelers. GTR apologized for the disruption and assured passengers that they were working with Network Rail to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. The disruption also affected London Overground services, with passengers advised to allow extra time for journeys to Gatwick Airport or Luton Airport Parkway. The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) called for a full explanation of the disruption, emphasizing the importance of safety on the railways. GTR, the UK's largest railway franchise by passenger numbers, carries 18% of all train journeys in the country.