Train trial leaves Paddington in chaos as power cables damaged

RAIL passengers were left stranded yesterday after trials of a new “green” electric train wreaked havoc with electric wiring on tracks.

A test run between London and Bristol for a new £16million “bullet” train caused commuter mayhem at Paddington station after damaging 500yards of overhead power cables.

The rail hub was effectively closed yesterday morning, with passengers left frustrated as there were no services to or from Heathrow and Reading until the afternoon.

Great Western Rail said the damage was caused by one of Hitachi’s highspeed Class 802 trains, which was part of a large fleet that GWR have invested £500 million in.

The incident comes exactly one year after the first of Hitachi’s Class 800 trains to enter GWR service suffered leaking air conditioning and a 41-minute delay on its inaugural journey, with senior politicians and rail bosses on board.

Class 802 trains can operate on electric and diesel power. The train was not in passenger use, but the knock-on effects of fixing the problem caused issues for commuters and tourists alike. Some 90,000 people travel through Paddington daily. Several passengers posted on social media complaining about the delays on the line.

“Some of the lines have reopened and a reduced train service is starting to operate into and out of London Paddington following last night’s incident with a test train, however delays are expected to last for at least the rest of the day,” the company said. “Customers are advised to only travel if necessary and check before travelling.”

Though some services were restored, travel was far from smooth, with passengers reporting overcrowded platforms, cancellations and general mayhem. Trains to London’s Heathrow Airport were among those affected, though by mid-afternoon a limited service had resumed.

The statement added: “We strongly advise not to travel on long distance routes or towards London due to a reduced train service on all routes and no train services operating to or from London Paddington. Train services will instead terminate and start at Reading.

“If you are travelling from London beyond Reading please do not go to Paddington but instead travel straight to either Waterloo, Marylebone or Euston depending upon your ultimate destination.”