South Western Railway delays: 'Carnage' at Waterloo station as heatwave sparks second day of rail chaos

Travel chaos: Huge crowds gathered in Waterloo
EPA

Rush hour commuters battled a second day of travel chaos across the capital on the hottest day of the year so far.

South Western Railway announced on Tuesday that services in and out of Waterloo would be disrupted all week as temperatures soared above 30C in parts of the UK.

Sizzling heat caused rail tracks to expand meaning emergency speed restrictions have come into force.

The emergency speed limits, which will make journey times up to ten minutes longer, will remain in place until Friday.

Delays and cancellations sparked yet another day of mayhem for passengers at London's busiest travel hub.

A fire under a train on the line towards Surbiton caused further issues.

Huge crowds: Frustrated commuters filled Waterloo
PA

Huge crowds of frustrated commuters were pictured staring up at information boards displaying 'cancelled' and 'delayed' notices.

Passengers described being unable to enter the station due to overcrowding while those trapped inside said it was "carnage".

One person wrote on Twitter: "This is beyond ridiculous."

Another added: "Chaos at Waterloo. Good luck everyone."

A third person wrote: "Absolute bedlam at #Waterloo Station... no one being let in or out. Avoid if you plan on using it imminently."

UK Heatwave - In pictures

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“With exceptionally warm weather this week and rail temperatures expected to reach 47 degrees Celsius in many locations, Network Rail has advised that emergency speed restrictions are required,” a statement on the rail firm's website said.

“The primary location of these speed restrictions is between London Waterloo and New Malden on lines heading away from London Waterloo, resulting in service alterations and cancellations.”

Frustrated faces: Commuters were left facing long delays
EPA

The delays came as Govia Thameslink Railway, which has been suffering ongoing disruption due to problems with new train timetables, staff were told in a company document how to deal with angry and abusive customers.

The document, leaked by the RMT union, warns workers that “the likelihood of encountering unhappy customers is higher than normal … if you come across customers who want to vent their frustration... always keep a safe distance... use positive body language in the form of open palms and understanding facial expressions.

“If you feel intimidated or feel the situation is escalating move to a place of safety.”

Londoners battling home through searing heat also faced disruption on Southeastern trains leaving London Bridge and Cannon Street due to broken down train near Lewisham.

Services between central London stations and Hayes will be unable to call at New Cross, St Johns and Lewisham until at least 5.15pm.

The Bakerloo line is also part suspended between Stonebridge Park and Harrow and Wealdstone due to a signal failure at Wembley.

Tuesday marked hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 30.2C at Hawarden Airport in Wales, the Met Office said.

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