Fire near Lea Road halts Greater Anglia services from Liverpool Street
Fourteen fire engines tackled a grass blaze that stopped trains to Stansted, Cambridge and Hertford East
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Greater Anglia suspended all train movements to and from London Liverpool Street at 14:57 on 29 July after a grass fire broke out close to the railway line near Lea Road in Waltham Abbey. The operator said the London Fire Brigade had requested the stoppage because multiple fires threatened the tracks.
Fourteen fire engines were sent to the scene. London Fire Brigade confirmed they were dealing with a grass fire near Lea Road but did not say whether this was the same incident that halted the trains. The BBC has asked for clarification.
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Which services were affected
Greater Anglia services to Stansted Airport, Cambridge North, Meridian Water and Hertford East were cancelled. Other trains were delayed or diverted via Seven Sisters. Passengers travelling between Enfield Lock, Waltham Cross and Cheshunt were also stranded.
A Greater Anglia spokesperson told the BBC that Network Rail officers were on site, working to restore normal service as quickly as possible. No estimated time for reopening the line was given.
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What passengers should do
Greater Anglia advised passengers to check live updates on its website or via National Rail Enquiries before travelling. No replacement buses were arranged by Transport for London or the train operator.
Local bus routes serving Waltham Abbey, including the 212, 250 and 251, continued to run but were expected to be busier than usual. TfL said no additional buses would be deployed on these routes.
Cause and next steps
The cause of the fire is unclear. London Fire Brigade did not provide details on whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate. No injuries were reported.
Network Rail will inspect the track and signalling equipment once the fire is extinguished. Greater Anglia said it would publish a revised timetable once the line is confirmed safe to reopen.
Questions this report answers
+Which stations were affected by the train stoppage?
Services to Stansted Airport, Cambridge North, Meridian Water and Hertford East were cancelled or delayed. Trains between Enfield Lock, Waltham Cross and Cheshunt were also halted. Passengers should check Greater Anglia’s website for updates.
+How many fire engines were sent to the Waltham Abbey fire?
Fourteen London Fire Brigade engines were deployed to tackle a grass fire near Lea Road in Waltham Abbey. The brigade has not confirmed whether this was the same fire that stopped the trains.
+When will trains start running again?
No reopening time has been given. Network Rail and Greater Anglia staff are on site assessing damage. Passengers should monitor live updates before travelling.
+Were replacement buses provided for stranded passengers?
No replacement buses were arranged by Transport for London or Greater Anglia. Local bus routes continued to run but were expected to be busier than usual.
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