Gatwick Airport station evacuated as train catches fire with passengers on board

Firefighters have been called to a fire involving a passenger train at Gatwick Airport railway station, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said.

Emergency services rushed to the scene as smoke and flames were seen coming from a train carriage.

The disruption is expected to last until at least 3pm, according to officials.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “Due to a fire alarm activation at the train station, passengers have been evacuated into the South Terminal.

“The station is closed while emergency services respond to the incident. Teams are responding to the situation, and passengers are advised to check before traveling.”

BBC 5 Live presenter Clare McDonnell, who was on the affected train, told the Mirror: “There was a white flash on the outside of the carriage as the train pulled in.

“Passengers ran from the platform, and smoke started entering the adjacent carriage. Staff acted quickly, raising their voices to urge people to evacuate.”

In a video shared on social media, smoke and flames were visible under the train, with damage to the underside of one carriage. Passengers remained calm as staff guided them up the stairs to safety.

In a tweet, she said: “Heads up if you are heading to Gatwick Airport the train I was on from Brighton to London Victoria just caught fire as it pulled in. So the station is currently closed. So far it seems everyone is fine and staff acted quickly to get everyone out Gatwick.”

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “We are currently responding to a small fire involving a passenger train at Gatwick railway station, South Terminal.

“Crews from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Gatwick Fire & Rescue Service are at the scene.

“All passengers are off the train and the railway station has been evacuated.

“The station is closed while firefighters respond to the incident.”

Gatwick Express trains have been suspended entirely, while Southern Rail trains are not stopping at Gatwick Airport.

Passengers are being advised to use nearby stations such as Horley or Three Bridges, with tickets accepted on Metrobus routes to Gatwick Airport.

The National Rail website reported reduced services between Bedford and Three Bridges and urged passengers to check updates before traveling

Authorities have not reported any injuries, and emergency teams are continuing to monitor the situation.

Travellers heading to or from Gatwick Airport are advised to plan alternative routes and stay updated on service changes.