There is major disruption on rail lines out of King’s Cross after a person was hit by a train.
A person was hit by a train between Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City, meaning all lines between Peterborough and Royston and London were closed earlier.
Police were called to Stevenage station at 11.32am following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
The person was pronounced dead at the scene and the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Lines have since reopened but trains may still be delayed by up to 30 minutes, National Rail has warned. Disruption is expected to last for the rest of the day.
Services to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Newcastle were among those affected.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123, email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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Live updates
Delays expected until the end of the day
Delays of up to 30 minutes on trains leaving King’s Cross station are expected to continue until the end of the day.
National Rail previously said the disruption would last until 9.30pm, but this has now been extended.
Disruption to continue until 9.30pm
Emergency services have completed their work following the fatality on the railway lines earlier today, National Rail has said.
However, disruption is expected to continue until 9.30pm.
Lines between London and Peterborough and Royston have reopened but services may be delayed by up to half an hour.
A spokesperson for National Rail said: “The emergency services have completed their work following an earlier incident where a person was hit by a train.
“This has allowed all lines between Peterborough/Royston and London to reopen. Whilst service recovers, trains may still be severely delayed by up to 30 minutes, revised or cancelled.
“Disruption is expected until 21:30.”
Disruption between Paddington and Heathrow ends
Disruption caused by a signalling issue between Paddington and Heathrow/Reading has now ended, National Rail has said.
Disruption through rush hour
Major disruption is expected to continue on trains to and from King’s Cross until at least 7pm, National Rail has said.
All lines between Peterborough and Royston and London have reopened after a person was hit by a train.
Emergency services have completed their work at the scene.
But while services recover, trains may still be severely delayed by up to 60 minutes, revised or cancelled.
Disruption is expected until at least 7pm.
Disruption likely through rush hour
National Rail are still advising that the major disruption at King’s Cross is expected until around 4.30pm.
However, with only a handful of services being listed on the departure boards, it is expected that issues will continue through rush hour.
BTP confirm casualty on tracks
The British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed that a person has died after being hit by a train earlier today.
A BTP spokesperson told Evening Standard: “Officers were called to Stevenage railway station at 11.32am today (20 May) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
'Total bedlam' as thousands unable to catch trains out of King’s Cross
Ross Lydall has told Evening Standard of “total bedlam” at King’s Cross this afternoon.
He said: “Total bedlam here. A couple of trains are back on the departures board. LNER are saying that services will be delayed until 3pm but I think that may be optimistic.
“Trains are out of place everywhere. There is also apparently chaos at Euston, as King’s Cross tickets are being accepted on Avanti West Coast.
“King’s Cross station staff are trying to provide advice and do their best to help. This is all beyond their control and appears to be a tragic situation.
“But thousands of people are unable to catch a long-distance train out of King’s Cross this afternoon - and thousands more may be stuck on trains to London or have been forced to abandon their journeys.”
Elizabeth line update
A fault with the signalling system at Hanwell means that trains must run at a reduced speed on some lines.
Elizabeth line trains between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport & Slough may be cancelled or significantly delayed.
This disruption is expected until around 5pm.
Lines now reopening
The emergency services have now completed their work following an earlier incident between Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City.
Services will now begin to recover, with lines between Peterborough & Royston and London reopening.
If you've been affected by what has happened on the rail network today, there is always someone to talk to.
You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat.