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Dozens helped to safety after train catches fire

Lisa YoungSouth West
News imageAlan William Bryant A train carriage has a fire underneath it with smoke emanating. In front of the train line is a road with one car driving past. The photo is hazy as if taken through a window.Alan William Bryant
Fire crews helped 30 passengers and railway staff to safety

A fire broke out underneath the carriage of a passenger train at Newton Abbot on Sunday afternoon.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent five fire engines to the scene at 14:36 GMT and crews found a small fire which involved "over-heated wheel assemblies".

The service said 30 passengers and railway staff had been helped to safety.

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said the line between Plymouth and Exeter had been blocked by "a broken down train" and replacement buses were running.

News imageA drone shot showing a the train with two carriages stationary on the tracks. There are people walking on the tracks, some are wearing hi-vis clothing. There is a dual carriageway running along the tracks and there are two fire trucks and a white car parked while other cars are driving past.
GWR said the line between Plymouth and Exeter had been blocked

The spokesperson apologised for the disruption and advised customers to travel at another time if possible.

They said tickets bought for travel on Sunday could be used on Monday.

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