Bedbug outbreak on Southeastern trains causes cancellations and travel chaos

3 Oct 2026 • 8:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Bedbug outbreak on Southeastern trains causes cancellations and travel chaos

  • Southeastern train services across south-east England have suffered cancellations and disruption after drivers refused to board trains following sightings of bedbugs in driver cabs and on their bags.
  • The affected services include trains operating from the West Marina depot near Hastings in East Sussex, alongside reported sightings on Southeastern's High Speed 1 line services.
  • Drivers requested full-body protective gear after spotting insects, leading to train cancellations when suits were unavailable, while one service continued operating with two carriages locked out of use.
  • Southeastern confirmed that bedbugs were reported on four trains and verified on two, stating that affected vehicles were thoroughly cleaned before being returned to service.
  • The rail operator emphasised that no bedbugs were found in passenger areas and reassured commuters that robust cleaning routines are continually carried out to ensure safe travel.

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