Hundreds stuck on split train

RAIL bosses are investigating today after commuters were trapped in a tunnel for more than an hour when their packed train split in two.

The first five coaches of the 17.45 from London Victoria to Rochester separated from the rear five coaches as it left Sydenham Hill station yesterday.

Train company Southeastern said about 500 passengers were on board when the train split as it entered Penge tunnel just before 6.30pm. The front half was left in the tunnel, and commuters were stuck until engineers were able to reverse the train at about 7.45pm.

Passengers in the rear half, which was still partly in the platform, were taken off immediately.

Southeastern today apologised for the delay and launched an investigation.