‘Do not travel’ alert lifted after train derailment

4 Feb 2026 • 8:05 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK's largest railway franchise, lifted a "do not travel" alert, but significant disruption is expected to continue throughout Wednesday.
  • The widespread disruption was caused by “multiple incidents” including a train derailment near a depot in Selhurst, south-east London, and a signalling system fault between London Blackfriars and Norwood Junction.
  • Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services were severely affected, leading to cancellations, revisions, and delays of up to an hour.
  • The derailment involved an empty train with no confirmed injuries, but it prevented other trains from leaving the Selhurst depot, exacerbating service issues.
  • Passengers were advised of alternative routes, while other parts of Britain's rail network, including services near Crewe and Portsmouth, also experienced signalling problems.

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