A sombre atmosphere enveloped the railway network today as it was reported that an individual had been struck by a train between Gatwick Airport and Purley. This tragic incident has led to a complete blockage of all lines via Redhill as emergency services work diligently to address the situation at Coulsdon near Croydon.
The incident came to light at 12:03 PM on January 2, 2024, when the official Twitter account of Southern Rail, a prominent railway operator in the UK, posted a notification informing the public of the unfortunate occurrence. At this time, details regarding the incident and the condition of the individual involved remain undisclosed.
As a result of the line blockage, train services between Gatwick Airport and Purley via Redhill have been severely impacted. Southern Rail reported that although some trains will continue to operate between these stations, they will bypass stations via Redhill.
Passengers who rely on the affected route have been advised to seek alternative transportation options to reach their intended destinations. Southern Rail is actively assisting passengers by allowing them to use their tickets at no extra cost on alternative routes.
To provide commuters with more accessible travel alternatives, Southern Rail has shared route maps and journey planning information through their official website and online platforms. Passengers can plan their journeys with Metrobus and Transport for London (TfL) and should anticipate an extension of their travel time by up to 30 minutes.
Stations affected by the line blockage include Earlswood, Redhill, Merstham, and Coulsdon South. Passengers travelling to or from these stations are strongly encouraged to consider alternative routes, recognising that their journeys may be extended by up to 45 minutes.
In light of this distressing incident, Southern Rail has urged passengers to check journey planners and station information boards before embarking on their trips. By allowing extra time for their journeys, commuters can navigate the unforeseen disruptions caused by this tragedy.
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