A Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex.
British Transport Police (BTP) said officers are at the scene of the derailment, where they say there are no reported injuries.
It comes after two people were seriously injured in a separate train derailment in Lewes yesterday.
Meanwhile, dozens of London bus routes have ground to a halt due to a major strike.
Unite says more than 1,500 Arriva North drivers are taking industrial action today and tomorrow, in a dispute over conditions amid a successive of summer heatwaves.
A total of 43 routes are affected by the strike.
Follow the latest updates below...
National alert 'most extensive yet'
19:20 , Alastair Lockhart
The use of the emergency alert to warn about wildfires is the most extensive use of the system to date, the Government said.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an emergency alert to England and Wales. This is the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property.
“During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires. By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.
“The government will continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.”
Fire alert issued on mobile phones
19:05 , Alastair Lockhart
Millions of people across England and Wales have just received an emergency alert on their phones warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks, the Cabinet Office said.
Ambulance service statement
18:39 , Alastair Lockhart
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said they were called just after 2.10pm on Friday to the scene in Wickford and dispatched a “significant number of resources” to the scene, including a specialist Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care teams from charity partners including two air ambulances.
They said: “Our crews assessed 62 patients who were on board the train. Following assessment, all patients were discharged at the scene.
“We also assisted with the evacuation of a second train that was unable to continue its journey due to the derailment. There were no casualties among those on board.”
Derail probe 'will look at all factors'
18:27 , Alastair Lockhart
Investigations into two train derailments in two days “will look at all possible causes and factors”, a Network Rail boss said, adding the hot weather had “presented exceptional challenges to the railway”.
Martin Frobisher, Group Safety and Engineering Director at Network Rail, said: “We are currently responding to a derailment incident near Wickford station in Essex, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed. Two carriages have derailed but remained fully upright, and there are no significant injuries reported.
“I appreciate the public will be concerned at the news of two derailments of passenger trains over a short period of time, but I want to reassure them that Britain’s railways still rank among the safest in the world, and that safety is always our first consideration on the railway.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by yesterday’s significant incident at Lewes. I want to thank the teams from across the rail industry and emergency services who have been working around the clock to provide assistance and support to those who need it, as well as the response from the local community.
“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is conducting an investigation into the derailment at Lewes, and has investigators on scene at the Wickford incident. We would ask people to avoid speculating on the cause of any incidents until further information is available. We will also conduct our own internal investigations, in which we will look at all possible causes and factors.”
Basildon Council leader thanks emergency services
17:21 , Tom Place
Councillor Andy Barnes, leader of Basildon Council, said: “I would like to thank all of the emergency services who are currently responding to this incident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we sincerely hope that all those involved are safe and well.
“Basildon Council will continue to support our emergency service partners in any way we can as they carry out their response.”
The scene near Wickford
17:03 , Tom Place
More than 40 passengers were on derailed train
16:53 , Tom Place
Basildon Borough Council has said that there were around 40 to 45 passengers onboard the train when it derailed near Wickford this afternoon.
It was travelling from Southend towards London and "no major injuries have been reported", according to the local authority.
"Council officers are also at the scene and are liaising with partner agencies," a spokesman says.
"The council is in contact with emergency services and other partners and is providing support as required."
They said that an air ambulance landed at the scene as a precaution.
DfT says UK railways 'amongst the safest in the world'
16:44 , Tom Place
The DfT has released a statement following the derailment this afternoon.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a derailment involving a Greater Anglia train near Wickford, Essex. The train is upright, there are no reported injuries and investigators have already been deployed to the site.
“Our railways remain amongst the safest in the world and while incidents like this are extremely rare, when they do occur, they are taken very seriously.”
RAIB investigating derailment
16:35 , Tom Place
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have sent inspectors to the incident near Wickford.
The organisation posted on X: "RAIB has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of a passenger train derailment at Wickford, Essex to begin gathering evidence."
More travel chaos following derailment
16:21 , Tom Place
Passengers are facing major delays to their journey after the derailment.
National Rail have confirmed that trains operating between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria are being cancelled in full.
Customers have been advised to use alternative services, and have been told that the Southminster branch line is also affected by this issue, with services currently also unable to run between Wickford and Southminster.
The major disruption is expected to continue until further notice.
Greater Anglia said: “If you have already started your journey, please speak to a member of staff or use a help point for assistance on completing your journey.
“We are gathering reports of reports of an incident between Southend Victoria and Wickford. We are currently awaiting further details and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Emergency services respond
16:09 , Tom Place
A BTP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently on scene just south of Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm today.
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries.”
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is currently supporting the emergency response to an incident near Wickford.
“Our firefighters are working alongside other emergency services and partner agencies at the scene."
Image - Train derails near Wickford, Essex
16:05 , Tom Place
Confirmed: Train Derailment between #wickford & #rayleigh on @greateranglia #derailment #train #essex https://t.co/UZRS0qn7sr pic.twitter.com/kkEvmpEeu9
— ToonGambit (@ToonGambit) August 14, 2026
Second train derails in 24 hours
15:56 , Tom Place
A Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex, it has been reported.
British Transport Police (BTP) said officers are at the scene of the derailment, where they say there are no reported injuries.
It comes after two people were seriously injured in a separate train derailment in Lewes yesterday.
Emergency services have been spotted near the scene, with a local sharing an image of two air ambulances landing close to the tracks.
A footbridge across the rail line has been closed as crews work at the scene.
Conditions among 'worst they've ever been' for drivers
13:18 , Alastair Lockhart
Conditions for drivers this summer are “some of the worst they’ve ever been” despite union warnings 18 months ago, according to Unite the Union regional officer Steve Stockwell.
Outlining what changes were being demanded, he said: “There are two parties that need to make a change. TfL send the spec sheets out that the operators have to use, so TFL needs to change the specs.
“But the operators are the employers. So they need to do something to keep our drivers cool, we need a structure to get air conditioning on all our buses.”
'It's absolutely boiling,' London bus driver says as 1,500 go on strike over working conditions
12:55 , Megan Howe
Peter Crane, 62, who has driven for Arriva for 22 years, showed a photo of his cab temperature reading at 44C on Friday.
He said: “We’re so fed up, we get into the bus, and it’s absolutely boiling.
“It makes you drowsy. It makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. You’re sweating, you’re sticky.
“It’s like, you get off a plane, you go to Greece or Spain or something.”
“It’s like being in a greenhouse. That’s my life. You can’t walk out. It’s not like an air-conditioned office. Not like our bosses, our directors, who are driving by with what we need, air-con in a car, it’s cool.
“We just want the same thing. Why can’t we have air-con? Why can’t we be comfortable and safe?
Asked what his message to Arriva would be, Mr Crane said: “Do you really care about the comfort of your staff? Because there’s no evidence of it. It’s all talk.”
Lines reopen between London St Pancras and Bedford
12:45 , Megan Howe
Lines have reopened this afternoon between St Pancras and Bedford, after damage was caused to the overhead electrical wires, forcing the line to close.
All lines have now reopened, National Rail said,
But, trains running between these stations may still be cancelled, severely delayed or revised, as services get back to normal.
Major disruption is expected until 4pm.
'We do have to work despite what Sadiq Khan says'
12:44 , Megan Howe
Bus driver Peter Skinner, 56, said it was “exhausting” working in extreme heat.
“I know a young lady personally that works in another garage who passed out as she stepped out a cab, she was pregnant at the time,” he said.
“The problem with TfL is we don’t work for TfL. So TFL would be making a lot of comments and statements that, to us, are irrelevant.
“We get Sadiq Khan saying ‘you don’t have to drive a bus if it’s not got working air conditioning’, we do, because our governor says we do, we don’t work for Sadiq Khan.”
Mr Skinner added: “It’s absolutely pressing, isn’t it?
“How long is it going to be before a driver does pass out on the wheel? Think of the carnage of a 14-tonne bus with 80 people in it, that could make a big mess.”
More pictures of bus drivers on the picket lines
12:29 , Megan Howe
#NSSN supporting @UniteLondonEast #BusStrike at #Arriva North #London over working conditions in hot weather @unitetheunion @UniteEconomy
— NSSN (@NSSN_AntiCuts) August 14, 2026
Read more - https://t.co/uUiuiUUT9x pic.twitter.com/1CaeTeHBCO
What is the travel advice during the bus strikes?
12:28 , Megan Howe
Here’s the travel advice for all those affected by the bus strikes in north London.
Use Alternatives: Rely on the London Underground, London Overground, National Rail, or walking where possible.
Check Before Leaving: Use the official TfL Strike Travel Tools to view live bus maps and alternate route planning.
Unchanged Weekend Perks: The £1.75 Weekend Hopper fare remains active for all functional, unaffected bus lines across London.
In photos: Stratford bus station vacant as drivers go on strike
12:11 , Megan Howe
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Labour MP for Brent says bus drivers need 'safe working conditions'
11:49 , Megan Howe
Writing on X, MP Dawn Butler said: “More than 1,500 London bus drivers are taking strike action over unsafe conditions. Working in temperatures of 40°C is not safe.
“I’m writing to @SadiqKhan and @unitetheunion. We must find a way forward. Our bus drivers keep London moving. They deserve safe working conditions.”
More than 1,500 London bus drivers are taking strike action over unsafe conditions. Working in temperatures of 40°C is not safe.
— Dawn Butler ✊🏾💙 (@DawnButlerBrent) August 14, 2026
I’m writing to @SadiqKhan and @unitetheunion. We must find a way forward.
Our bus drivers keep London moving. They deserve safe working conditions. pic.twitter.com/KNDV5j4oeX
What have bus drivers said about the strikes?
11:02 , Megan Howe
Bus drivers have said that extreme heat, which has caused cab temperatures to reach 40C during heatwaves, are making it unsafe for them to drive.
More than 1,500 Arriva North London drivers have launched 26 days of strike action because they feel their health and public safety are being put at risk.
Workers have reported that current air-cooling systems just push hot air around instead of cooling the cab, with many buses not fitted with air conditioning.
One driver noted that the inside of the cab feels hotter than being outside.
Spending hours in the heat has caused some drivers to suffer from heat exhaustion, dizziness, migraines and dehydration.
Video: Nurses join bus drivers at picket lines
10:03 , Megan Howe
Footage posted on social media shows nurses belonging to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have joined drivers on the picket line.
🚩 This is so powerful.
— Aidan Harper (@Aidan_Harper_) January 19, 2023
In SE London, Striking @theRCN nurses from Kings Hospital have marched to Camberwell bus garage to support @AbellioLondon drivers on strike with @unitetheunion.
Those bus drivers are now on the Nurse’s picket.
We are stronger as a class ✊@strike_map pic.twitter.com/CxNC2mZ1s3
Bus strike: Everything you need to know
10:02 , Megan Howe
The bus strikes in north London which have started today involve Unite members employed by Arriva London North.
Walkouts are affecting garages at Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
Bus drivers are striking over working conditions during hot weather, with reports of cabs reaching up to 40C during a heatwave.
Arriva has said the hot weather has created complex challenges across the city’s bus network, but reiterated that the wellbeing of staff and passengers is its top priority.
Bus routes affected by the strike are: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76 (24hour), 102 (24hour), 103, 121, 141, 149 (24hour), 150, 158 (24hour), 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243 (24hour), 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341 (24hour), 349, 370, 375, 377, 616 (term time only), 675 (term time only), N19, N29, N41, N279, SL1, SL2, W3, W4 and W6.
Affected night services will operate as normal, on the nights before strike action starts.
Customers can check the latest service information using the TfL Go app.
Disruption caused by signalling fault between Streatham Common and Selhurst
09:43 , Megan Howe
A signalling system fault between Streatham Common and Selhurst is causing disruption to rail services this morning.
The fault means fewer trains are able to run through the area, with passengers warned that services may be cancelled, revised or delayed by up to 20 minutes.
The disruption is affecting a wide range of routes across south London, including services between Watford Junction and East Croydon, as well as trains from London Bridge towards Selhurst and East Croydon.
Services from London Victoria are also affected, including those running towards Selhurst, Sutton, Epsom Downs, Reigate and East Grinstead, alongside longer-distance services to Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth Harbour, Eastbourne, Hastings and Ore.
The disruption is currently expected to continue until 12pm.
Passengers travelling through the affected area are advised to check their journey before setting off and allow additional time for travel.
RAIB will look at the 'effects of the heat' on the train derailment
09:34 , Megan Howe
The former chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority said investigators should be able to see “what the track looked like as the train arrived”.
Richard Bowker told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will “be looking at things like the condition of the track”.
He added: “We’ve seen images of damaged track – was that caused by the derailment, or did it cause it, or a bit of both? They’ll look at the effects of heat.
“The train itself I would expect to be fitted with forward-facing CCTV cameras, so it will be possible to see, I would suspect, what the track looked like as the train arrived.
“They will be able to download data from the train. It has like a black box. They’ll know what speed it was going. They will know if there were any braking applications.”
Why are London bus drivers striking?
09:22 , Megan Howe
Drivers are striking because temperatures inside their bus cabs are soaring past 40C during summer heatwaves, which have been relentless in the capital this year.
The union states that current air cooling systems merely push around hot outside air, turning cabs into dangerous "greenhouses".
Workers are demanding that employer Arriva retrofits all affected vehicles with proper, functioning air conditioning to prevent heat exhaustion and protect safety.
Arriva has reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of its staff and passengers is its top priority.
Wasim Mohammed, the managing director of Arriva London, explained that extreme summer heat is creating complex challenges across the city's bus network.
Video: Bus drivers at the picket line at Stamford Hill Garage this morning
09:07 , Megan Howe
Footage shared on social media shows bus drivers on strike and standing at the picket line outside Stamford Hill Bus Garage this morning.
They could be seen waving flags and holding banners, as they walk out over working conditions in hot weather.
The strike has been called by Unite the union and will effect garages in north London.
Garages impacted are: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
@unitetheunion picket at Stamford Hill Garage N16 this morning.
— HackneySWP (@HackneySwp) August 14, 2026
As climate change kicks in Bus workers are fighting for air-con cabs, hydration breaks and decent toilet facilities.
Their bosses, @Arriva_London, can afford it. made £108 million profit in 2024.@socialistworker pic.twitter.com/0PmRbWNWLg
Images from the Lewes train derailment appear to show a bowed section
08:58 , Megan Howe
Images of the track where a train derailed just outside of Lewes station yesterday appears to show a bowed section.
The RAIB are on the scene to establish the cause of the derailment.
Multiple angles from the Lewes train derailment in Sussex appear to show a significantly bowed section of track beyond the end of the carriages pic.twitter.com/aOzroyUOWq
— Henry Lloyd (@henryjlloyd) August 13, 2026
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is at the scene in Lewes
08:54 , Megan Howe
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has arrived at the scene in Lewes where a train derailment took place yesterday.
A van could be seen close to the Landport area of Lewes in East Sussex.
The RAIB will carry out the the investigation into what happened.
Southern says the line will be blocked until the investigation has been concluded.
When will the Lewes-Haywards Heath line reopen?
08:30 , Megan Howe
No timetable has been given for when the railway will be able to “safely reopen” after the derailment near Lewes, Network Rail has said.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail route director for Sussex, told a press conference: “This is an evolving and complex situation.
“We will provide updates as soon as we have a clear understanding of the recovery work required and when the railway can safely reopen.”
She urged passengers to check before they travel.
She added: “I can only apologise to everyone who has been impacted by this incident but I also must thank the local response teams and community for everything they have done to support the response to this situation.”
Bus strikes start today as 1,500 drivers walk out
08:25 , Megan Howe
More than 1,500 bus drivers from eight garages in London are going on strike today in a dispute over working conditions during hot weather.
Members of Unite employed by Arriva North London are set to walk out on 26 dates from August to October with services across north London and Essex affected.
Strike action is scheduled to take place:
- Between 04:00 14 August and 04:30 15 August
- Between 04:00 18 August and 04:30 21 August
- Between 04:00 25 August and 04:30 28 August
- Between 04:00 4 September and 04:30 5 September
- Between 04:00 7 September and 04:30 8 September
- Between 04:00 18 September and 04:30 19 September
- Between 04:00 21 September and 04:30 22 September
- Between 04:00 2 October and 04:30 3 October
- Between 04:00 5 October and 04:30 6 October
- Between 04:00 16 October and 04:30 17 October
- Between 04:00 19 October and 04:30 20 October
What is the latest on the London Underground?
08:05 , Megan Howe
As of 8am, there are severe delays on the Piccadilly line between Heathrow Terminals 2&3 and Heathrow Terminal 5 while engineers fix a signal failure at Heathrow Terminals 2&3.
There are minor delays on the Central line between Leytonstone and Epping/Woodford via Hainault and between North Acton and Ealing Broadway/West Ruislip due to train cancellations.
Minor delays are effecting the Victoria line.
'The railway is very safe [...] these incidents are rare' says GTR chief
08:00 , Megan Howe
John Whitehurst, the interim chief executive officer of Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern services, has told BBC Breakfast that "the railway is very safe".
Referencing the derailment in Lewes, he said: "These incidents are rare. We do constant safety checks and put speed restrictions in place, or stop trains where necessary.
"We are working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services. The line will be blocked until this has taken place."
Whitehurst says the safety of passengers is the priority.
Major disruption in Bedford due to damage to the overhead wires
07:54 , Megan Howe
Elsewhere on the London Overground, there is significant disruption between London St Pancras International and Bedford due to damage to the overhead electric wires.
East Midlands Railway and Thameslink services are affected.
Some lines have now reopened, however, repairs are still on going so all lines can be available.
As a result of this, trains running between these stations may be cancelled, severely delayed or revised.
Major disruption is expected until midday.
Route director 'shocked and saddened' by incident in Lewes
07:45 , Megan Howe
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail's Sussex route director, says she is “shocked and saddened” by the incident.
“We’re working with the rail accident investigation branch to understand what has happened here, and while that's ongoing, we're working on this complex site to safely recover the railway and reopen for customers as soon as possible,” she added.
What has Network Rail said about the incident in Lewes?
07:41 , Megan Howe
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Following the incident, the railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath remains closed until further notice while investigations, detailed assessments and repairs are carried out.
“Southern are continuing to work closely with their Network Rail partners, whose engineers and specialist teams are assessing the damage and identifying the work needed before trains can safely run again.
“Until the investigations, assessments and repairs are complete, services will be cancelled or changed, and journeys may take longer than usual. Replacement transport is being provided where possible to help you continue your journey.
“Please check your journey before travelling and allow extra time.
“Southern will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
Major disruption expected as a result of the derailment in Lewes
07:34 , Megan Howe
Major disruption is expected along the line between Ore and London Victoria as a result of the train derailment yesterday afternoon.
Two people have been seriously injured and 18 others hurt after a Southern Rail passenger train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed and flipped on its side near Lewes at 4pm yesterday.
Here’s what we know about the impact to travel:
Journeys will take longer than usual today as trains are currently unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath, Network Rail has said.
Rail replacement buses will be running instead calling at Cooksbridge and Plumpton.
Southern Railway has added extra carriages to services between Brighton and Hastings and Brighton and Seaford wherever possible, for passengers travelling along the route.
Anyone travelling towards Eastbourne or Hastings will need to change trains at Brighton to continue their journey.
Passengers are advised to allow extra time before making their journeys today.
Two seriously injured and 18 hurt after train derails near Lewes
07:28 , Megan Howe
Two people have been seriously injured and 18 others hurt after a Southern Rail passenger train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed and flipped on its side near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon.
Around 150 people were on board the train shortly before it derailed at 4pm.
Some passengers described being dragged along the floor, while others said there instinct was to grab loved ones.
Images from the scene show people standing on top of overturned train carriages.
Network Rail has said it is too early to say what caused the derailment.
Disruption to services is expected today as a result of the derailment, follow our live blog for the latest updates.
