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Southern Rail delays: Dozens of Bognor Regis trains cancelled after lorry crashes onto railway – updates
A lorry has overturned in Bognor Regis resulting in a suspected gas leak, as well as affecting Sussex rail services. Longford Road has been closed by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service after a lorry crashed through a section of boundary fencing backing onto the Bognor Regis railway.
According to Southern Rail, whilst it isn’t blocking the tracks, it is in a precarious position on its side and is on top of and blocking access to signalling equipment, which will need to be checked for damage. As well as this, a telegraph pole may have been damaged which risks falling if the lorry is moved, which would result in further complications.
Further to this, there is a suspected gas leak, which will need to be capped and made safe before they can move the lorry. Those living in the vicinity of Longford Road are therefore being asked to keep all windows and doors closed.
Network Rail has confirmed that no one was injured in the crash. Disruption to rail services is currently expected until 12pm.
For live updates on this ongoing situation, follow our live blog below.
13:57Robert Edwards
13:05Robert Edwards
Disruption until 8pm
Here is the latest update from Southern Rail:
For journeys to/from Bognor Regis, we would strongly advise that you do not travel. Unfortunately lines are not expected to reopen until at least 7pm, and alternative journey options are very limited. Southern have not been able to source any rail replacement buses.
11:55Robert Edwards
Fire crews remain on the scene
11:11Key Event
All you need to know
- A lorry overturned early this morning along Longford Road and crashed through a section of boundary fencing backing onto the Bognor Regis railway
- Whilst the lorry isn’t blocking the line, it is blocking access to signalling equipment
- A telegraph pole has also been damaged which risks falling if the lorry is moved
- No trains are currently able to serve Bognor Regis, with disruption expected until 4pm
- Longford Road is closed between Linden Road and the A29 (Chichester Road Roundabout) with members of the public being asked to avoid the area.
- West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is on the scene dealing with a suspected gas leak caused by the earlier crash.
10:09Robert Edwards
Longford Road remains closed
According to travel news provider Inrix, Longford Road is closed between Linden Road and the A29 (Chichester Road Roundabout) – see the map below.
09:45Key Event
Disruption now expected until 4pm
Tickets will be accepted on the following for no extra cost:
- Any alternative Southern or Thameslink service via any reasonable route
- Stagecoach Buses 700 services between Bognor Regis, Chichester and Littlehampton.
You can check if your journey will be affected using a live route map here.
09:32Robert Edwards
‘Please stay away from the area’
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service crews are on the scene along Longford Road. They are working with engineers to isolate the gas before moving the overturned lorry.
The area is likely to remain closed for several hours. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area, and those living in the vicinity are asked to keep doors and windows closed.
09:23Robert Edwards
Route affected – disruption until 12pm
- Between Bognor Regis and Barnham / Littlehampton / London Victoria
No trains are currently able to run to/from Bognor Regis. Services will terminate and restart at either Chichester or Barnham instead.
Southern Rail customers affected are advised to delay any travel until all lines have reopened. If you do travel now, you’ll need to use an alternative route and allow at least an extra 45 minutes to complete your journey. An alternative route map can be found here.
