Commuter chaos as trains between Maidenhead and London Paddington are cancelled after fire breaks out by tracks – while Elizabeth Line is also part suspended

• GWR said a ‘fire next to the track at Maidenhead’ caused all lines to be blocked 
• Passengers left scrambling to find alternative routes after cancellations

Commuters faced chaos this morning after trains from Maidenhead to London Paddington were cancelled when a fire broke out ‘next to the track’, while the Elizabeth line was also part suspended.

Passengers were left scrambling to find alternative routes after the string of cancellations and delays during the morning rush hour.

In a photograph taken by one commuter, black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as flames rose up from near the railway track.

Great Western Railway (GWR) told passengers just after 7.30am on Wednesday: ‘Due to a fire next to the track at Maidenhead, all lines are blocked.

‘Train services running through this station will be cancelled or delayed.’

In a photograph taken by one commuter, black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as flames rose up from near the railway track

GWR announced the travel disruption just after 7.30am

Disruption is expected to continue until at least 8.45am. 

It is understood that the fire in Maidenhead will have a knock-on effect for the network as the electricity supply has to be switched off while the blaze is extinguished.

South Western Railway, CrossCountry, London Underground and Chiltern Railways are conveying passengers via reasonable routes until further notice. 

The Elizabeth Line was also part suspended between Paddington and Reading and Heathrow Terminals and there were severe delays on other parts of the line.

GWR and TfL have been contacted for comment. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow. 

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