THIS is the moment a train caught fire as it pulled into Gatwick Airport’s rail station, leading to a mass evacuation of all passengers.
Dramatic footage shows smoke pouring from under the carriage this afternoon.
The train was travelling between Brighton and London Victoria.
Firefighters have been called the scene.
The airport confirmed no services can call at the station after the fire alarm was raised.
Emergency services are dealing with the incident, with disruption expected to last until 3pm today.
Footage and photos show crowds of people packed into the station – while other clips show people rushing from the smoking train.
BBC5 Live presenter Clare McDonnell said on X: “Heads up if you are heading to Gatwick Airport – the train I was on from Brighton to London Victoria just caught fire as it pulled in.
“So the station is currently closed. So far it seems everyone is fine and staff acted quickly to get everyone out.”
She told PA: “Passengers on the platform ran away while smoke started coming into the carriage next to mine.
“Announcements were made to get off the train and off the platform.
“Things were calm at first but then staff started to raise their voices to get people to understand the urgency of the situation.
“As we were going up the stairs, staff were running down with fire extinguishers and telling people to get out of the way, but they were brilliant and people stayed calm.
“The fire, as you can see in the video, is under the train but I’m not sure at this stage if that’s where it started.
“The white flashes and bangs, I think there were around three of them, went up the side of the carriage but could have come from the top or the bottom of the train, I guess?
“The station is still closed.”
The National Rail website said Gatwick Express services are suspended and there is a reduced service between Bedford and Three Bridges, with disruption expected to continue until 3pm.
It added: “Please leave at least 30 minutes extra as you may have to use alternative providers to complete your journey.”
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “Due to a fire alarm activation at the train station, passengers have been evacuated into the South Terminal.
“The station is closed while emergency services respond to the incident.
“Teams are responding to the situation and passengers are advised to check before travelling.”
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “At 12.34pm we were alerted to a small fire involving a passenger train at Gatwick Railway Station, South Terminal.
“Crews from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Gatwick Fire & Rescue Service were sent to the scene.
“Upon arrival crews found that the undercarriage of the train had caught fire. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished before spreading any further.
“The fire is believed to be of accidental ignition, caused by an electrical fault.
“All passengers were quickly escorted off the train and the railway station was evacuated at the time of the fire.
“There are no reports of any injuries.”
A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway said: “Today, at around 12.30, we quickly and safely evacuated one of our Southern services at Gatwick Airport station after smoke was seen coming from underneath the train.
“The fire brigade is on the scene.
“We’re sorry to passengers delayed as a result.
“For full travel advice, visit one of our websites where you will also be able to claim compensation if your journey has been delayed by 15 minutes or more.”
Have you been affected by this incident? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk
