East Croydon station has been evacuated today (September 20, 2024) following reports of a suspect package, leading to significant travel disruption. The major Southern Rail interchange was reportedly cleared of passengers after the discovery, with emergency services swiftly responding to the scene.
Several commuters took to social media platform X to report the evacuation, with images and videos showing a heavy police presence outside the station. Thameslink, which shares ownership with Southern Rail, confirmed the incident on X, stating: “Police are dealing with an incident at East Croydon station. The main entrance is currently shut, and you will need to use alternative available entrances/exits.”
In a further update, Southern Rail described the situation as a “security alert,” confirming that no trains will be able to stop at East Croydon until at least 7 PM. They are working to arrange alternative transport options for commuters and are coordinating ticket acceptance across the affected services.
Major Disruptions Expected
The evacuation has caused significant delays and cancellations, as East Croydon is a critical hub for Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services, serving tens of thousands of passengers daily. Rail services that typically call at East Croydon, such as those between Cambridge and Brighton and Bedford and Brighton, will instead be stopping at Norwood Junction to help divert passengers.
In their official statement, Southern Rail urged travelers to listen to advice from railway staff and emergency services. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update you when the station can reopen,” they added.
Commuters Advised to Use Alternatives
Passengers needing to travel to East Croydon are being advised to reroute through nearby stations such as Selhurst or West Norwood. From these locations, they can use Transport for London (TfL) bus services to reach their final destination.
Social Media Reactions
Commuters on social media expressed their frustration at the delays but also noted the strong presence of emergency services. One user posted a video of a police car outside the main entrance, while others shared their experiences of being diverted at West Norwood.
As of now, emergency teams remain on site, investigating the situation. Southern Rail and Thameslink are expected to provide regular updates as the incident progresses.
