Severe train delays at Euston after Harrow gas leak

There has been major disruption for both London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast services this afternoon (August 8) following the leak.

The London Fire Brigade said that 25 people were evacuated from properties near the site of the leak on Forward Drive, near Harrow & Wealdstone station.

While fire and emergency services were dealing with the leak, power to the overhead lines in the area had been switched off, preventing any trains from running through the area.

📢Due to a 5 ton gas tank leaking in the Harrow area, all services between Northampton and London Euston are now suspended.

We'll update you with more information as soon as possible.

— London Northwestern Railway (@LNRailway) August 8, 2023

As a result, trains between Rugby and London Euston were halted for hours and anyone living in the area was told to keep their doors and windows closed.

I was surprised because it was so crowded in Euston station. I realized that there was some incidence. pic.twitter.com/wFnuaa5ylY

— Takatoshi Shigeta (@tak_shige) August 8, 2023

All lines have since reopened, but National Rail warns that services between the stations may still be cancelled or severely delayed by up to 90 minutes.

Major disruption is expected to last until 6.30pm.

Chaos at Euston as all Avanti West Coast services are withdrawn. Thanks to the lovely people at @chilternrailway at Marylebone Station who d/w the extra passengers with good will and competence. On our way.... pic.twitter.com/rK0PrK18hj

— @julieandersonwriter (@jjulieanderson) August 8, 2023

National Rail says that services may terminate or start back from Watford Junction, while Southern trains which would run between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction will instead run between Clapham Junction and Shepherd’s Bush.