Lineside Fire Causes Rail Disruption Between London, Sussex, and Surrey
UKPulse Local Desk
Rail services operated by Southern Railways are experiencing disruption between London, Sussex, and Surrey due to a lineside fire that caused extensive damage to signalling equipment.
- A lineside fire between Gatwick Airport and Purley caused extensive damage to signalling equipment.
- Southern Railways services between London Victoria and Eastbourne are suspended until further notice.
- Disruption is expected to continue until approximately 15:00 BST today, 10 August 2026.
Rail services between London, Sussex, and Surrey are facing disruption after a lineside fire caused extensive damage to signalling equipment. The blaze occurred between Gatwick Airport in West Sussex and Purley in Croydon, south London, on Sunday evening, according to operator Southern Railways.
Although all lines have reopened, disruption is expected to continue until about 15:00 BST today, 10 August 2026. Southern Railways stated on social media that engineers are working to return the railway to normal following the extensive damage.
Services between London Victoria and Eastbourne have been suspended until further notice. Other services operating between London and the Sussex coast will make additional stops.
What this means for you: Passengers travelling from London are able to use their tickets on the underground to transfer to alternative services. Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services to Heathrow Airport are also being disrupted due to a tunnel closure.