200 Passengers Evacuated From Train After Fire Breaks Out During Rush Hour

More than 200 passengers were evacuated from a packed commuter train this morning when a fire broke out during rush hour.

Firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene when the blaze broke out on the London Midland train as it pulled into Lapworth train station, Warks., at 8.11am.

In a series of terrifying photographs, smoke can be seen billowing at the 7.47am service between Leamington Spa, Warks., and Worcester.

Passengers were evacuated after the train pulled into the station with a fire underneath the carriages, while a local school provided shelter for commuters travelling in freezing conditions.

Anna Dee was on the train when the fire broke out, and tweeted an image of the fire, writing: ‘Train fire on commute but big shout out to #lapworth school for opening their warm school hall for us to sit in.’

Commuter Muhammad Ali, 24, also posted a number of images showing plumes of thick smoke billowing out of the train.

‘I was on the train at the time and on the cabin where the fire was’, he said.

‘The fire started and the smoke was very high.

‘About 100 people were evacuated. It was pretty scary and not what you expect to happen on your morning commute.’

Network Rail confirmed they were liaising with the British Transport Police and emergency services.

A paramedic area support officer and an ambulance crew attended the scene, alongside Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and British Transport Police.

In a statement, A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘The passengers were taken off the train and into shelter at a local school.

‘Our staff were on standby while the other emergency services dealt with the fire. Fortunately no-one was injured.’

Train operators London Midland have since confirmed the line has now reopened in both directions.

The blaze comes only two months after another London Midland train caught fire at Warwick Parkway, resulting in 150 passengers being evacuated.