Passengers ‘pass out’ on train stuck for hours by Peterborough Station as record heatwave causes chaos

Temperatures hitting higher than 37C have caused “several incidents” on the East Coast Main Line, including in the Peterborough area, leading to all trains being cancelled.

Commuters have told the Peterborough Telegraph that people were passing out, throwing up and trying to break the doors open after being stuck for hours on a train near Peterborough Station.

Claire Knights said: "I'm stuck on an LNER train from Edinburgh to King's Cross, stuck 300m outside Peterborough. There is no air con, no power and all lines shut down. People are suffering. if we were dogs it would be reported to the RSPCA."

"I had to be seen by a paramedic, as did many others.

"The train stopped about 300m outside Peterborough just behind the McDonald's and Toys R Us site at 4.15pm. My work colleague handed out water that had been left at the end of the carriage before it stopped. As soon as we stopped I knew it was going to be a serious incident.

"People called LNER customer services and said 'do something now, people are going to get seriously ill'.

"We called emergency services too as people were feeling unwell.

"There was a lady struggling with asthma, a diabetic and some elderly people struggling with the heat. We all were.

"People got impatient after about 45 minutes and started breaking the emergency door handles to try to force the doors open."

A video from Claire shows a passenger complaining about a lack of water.

Cambridgeshire fire crews were at the station helping to evacuate passengers.

The chaos was caused by damage to the overhead electrical wires just north of Peterborough, leading to trains being cancelled this afternoon. A reduced service was already being run due to the heat.

LNER, which runs the East Coast Main Line, said the disruption will last the rest of the day.

A spokesman said: "Services were disrupted today due to record-breaking high temperatures, followed by damage to the overhead lines late this afternoon.

"This halted services while power was turned off and emergency repairs could be carried out. A controlled evacuation was carried out on one of our trains at Peterborough to another train.

"We appreciate conditions on the train were very uncomfortable for those on-board. Our train crew and station teams were on-hand with medical support for anyone requiring extra assistance. We apologise to all of our customers who have had their journeys disrupted today.

"LNER is encouraging customers to, wherever possible, defer their travel to tomorrow. Tickets can be used through to Sunday, or a full refund provided through Delay Repay if customers prefer not to travel."

For all the latest travel information, visit: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/.