17 Jul 2012
A busy Tube line was part-suspended in the Tuesday morning rush hour just days before the start of the Olympics.
A fire alert at Charing Cross Underground station meant there were no services on the Bakerloo line between Paddington and Elephant and Castle.
There were severe delays on the rest of the line.
To add to travellers’ difficulties in the south London area, emergency engineering work on the main line meant trains run by the Southeastern train company were unable to call at stations between Elephant and Castle and Shortlands during the rush-hour.
The engineering work caused disruption to services run by First Capital Connect.
There were also rush-hour delays to services in and out of London’s Marylebone station, due to a broken-down train.
London Fire Brigade tweeted: “Our crews are investigating a small smell of smoke at Charing Cross underground station.”
Firefighters were called to Charing Cross following the smell of smoke on the line. A panel was being replaced before full services could start again.
Services between Paddington and Piccadilly Circus resumed but remained suspended between Piccadilly and Elephant and Castle.
London Underground apologised for the delays, adding that “the safety of customers and staff is our top priority”.
Copyright Press Association 2012