A major fire in Camden has led to substantial travel disruption across multiple rail services, with the effects expected to persist into Friday night. The incident, which occurred near critical rail infrastructure, has impacted key routes from London Euston, causing cancellations and delays for passengers.
Fire Incident Details and Emergency Response
Firefighters were called to the scene in Camden at 9.31am on Friday, responding to a blaze at a building situated above several rail lines, adjacent to Regent's Park Road Bridge. Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which produced visible plumes of smoke. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries, but the emergency response necessitated road closures in the area as crews worked to contain the situation.
Impact on Rail Services and Travel Disruption
The fire has caused significant disruption to rail travel, particularly affecting services from London Euston. National Rail issued warnings shortly after 11am, indicating that passengers between London Euston and Watford Junction should expect delays. By 4.27pm, updates confirmed that Avanti West Coast services on this route may face cancellations, delays of up to 30 minutes, or revisions.
Affected Routes and Service Adjustments
Multiple rail operators have been impacted by the incident. In addition to the Euston to Watford Junction services, other affected routes include Avanti West Coast connections between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street, and Manchester Piccadilly. Initially, disruption was anticipated until 5.15pm, but later advisories extended this to the end of the day. However, Southern services are no longer affected by the disruption, providing some relief for certain commuters.
Ongoing Travel Challenges and Commuter Advice
Travel disruption is expected to continue throughout Friday night, with National Rail advising passengers to check for updates before embarking on their journeys. The combination of rail delays and road closures has created a challenging travel environment in the Camden area, highlighting the broader impact of such incidents on London's transport network. Commuters are urged to plan alternative routes where possible and allow extra time for their travels.