Derailment of Greater Anglia train in Wickford causes widespread cancellations

A Greater Anglia service traveling from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street left the tracks at Wickford at 14:12 BST on Friday, forcing the cancellation of all scheduled trips from the station. More than 60 passengers were on board, but investigators and the East of England Ambulance Service reported no injuries and that the train remained upright. A second train on the line was also evacuated after it could not continue its journey.

Network Rail warned that major disruption would persist at least until Saturday, affecting routes to Southminster and Braintree, while c2c services from Southend Central continued to operate.

"The train swung wildly for around 10 seconds, like it was about to tilt over," said Jon Young, a passenger, adding that the rear carriages emitted a vibrating sound and smoke entered the carriage, prompting panic among some travellers.

Emergency responders, including an air ambulance, police, firefighters and paramedics, were deployed to the scene. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch sent investigators to collect evidence.

Network Rail spokesperson Martin Frobisher noted that the unusually high summer temperatures posed challenges for railway operations, but said no speed restrictions were in place in the area and that investigations were ongoing to determine any weather-related factors.

Conservative MP Mark Francois said the inquiry would examine whether heat contributed to the incident. The Department for Transport reiterated that derailments are rare and that Britain’s rail network remains among the safest globally.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said crews assessed 62 passengers and discharged all at the scene, and also assisted with the evacuation of the second train.