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Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
 
Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:13, 22nd March 2026
 
 Sounds serious, multiple cancellations.

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/newton-abbot-train-fire-live-10880177

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by bobm at 17:41, 22nd March 2026
 
It was the 11:48 from Penzance to Exeter St Davids.

Train is unable to be moved.   Passengers being evacuated.  No reports of any injuries.

Line likely to be closed until later this evening.

Train is just short of Newton Abbot West junction, so trains can still operate to/from Paignton.

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by TaplowGreen at 19:13, 22nd March 2026
 
From GWR......"Due to the volume of people expected to travel this afternoon, obtaining suitable road transport has not been possible, therefore we do advise customers who can, delay their travel plans".

........so what happens to those who are stranded? Sounds as if people are being told they can claim back taxi fares.....assuming they have sufficient means to pay up front for what could be some very lengthy journeys.

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by a-driver at 19:36, 22nd March 2026
 
From GWR......"Due to the volume of people expected to travel this afternoon, obtaining suitable road transport has not been possible, therefore we do advise customers who can, delay their travel plans".

........so what happens to those who are stranded? Sounds as if people are being told they can claim back taxi fares.....assuming they have sufficient means to pay up front for what could be some very lengthy journeys.

Simple. Those stranded will get taxis.  No coach company in the Exeter area can provide coaches, limited number from Plymouth.

The unit is a wheelskate job.

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by bobm at 19:46, 22nd March 2026
 
Probably tempting fate but the sleepers haven’t been cancelled, yet. 

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by a-driver at 19:54, 22nd March 2026
 
Probably tempting fate but the sleepers haven’t been cancelled, yet. 

Engineers are due onsite at 20:00 to assess the unit.

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by grahame at 20:12, 22nd March 2026
 
Probably tempting fate but the sleepers haven’t been cancelled, yet. 

Engineers are due onsite at 20:00 to assess the unit.

OpenTrainTimes shows 5E13 on the up line from Plymouth approaching Newton Abbott ... but the down line open. Sadly, it shows that the lines are NOT signalled for bidirectional working, which scuppers the change of even one train an hour past the one that can't move.

Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March
Posted by a-driver at 20:23, 22nd March 2026
 

OpenTrainTimes shows 5E13 on the up line from Plymouth approaching Newton Abbott ... but the down line open. Sadly, it shows that the lines are NOT signalled for bidirectional working, which scuppers the change of even one train an hour past the one that can't move.

You can operate bi-directional working if Network Rail have the staff to provide a pilotman.

The downside is, they won’t be able to do anything with the stranded until whilst trains are running.

 
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