St Johns and New Cross experienced a failure in the electricity supply, which caused significant disruptions in the UK rail network. Trains could not stop in either direction due to the fault. This case is similar to a nationwide power cut in 2019, which also caused widespread problems on the rail network. Nearly a million people were affected by the 2019 power cut, and National Grid promised to “learn the lessons” of the incident.
During the 2019 power cut, passengers were in darkness without access to food, water, or toilets. Many were stranded at London’s King’s Cross and St Pancras stations during the evening rush hour, while most were forced to spend hundreds of pounds on hotels and taxis. The power cut, caused by the failure of two power stations, caused disruptions on the UK rail network, and some residual delays continued into the following day.
One passenger, Lisa Sandeman, was travelling from Biggleswade to St Pancras when the power cut occurred. She was stuck on the train for an hour in complete darkness, with no staff lights, air conditioning, or communication. Sandeman missed her Eurostar connection to Brussels, therefore spending the night in a hotel before travelling to Belgium the following morning.
Other passengers also experienced long delays and difficulties. Lawal Brown, travelling from Stevenage to Bristol, reported being stuck on a train with no food or drink and locked toilets. Several passengers eventually moved to another train, but it took them over six hours to reach their destination.
It is not clear what caused the electricity supply failure on January 7, 2023, and how long the disruptions will last. National Rail has advised passengers to check their journeys before they travel and to allow extra time if necessary.
Several social media users shared their concerns; Sarah Johnson said, “Absolutely ridiculous that this keeps happening! First, the power cut in 2019 and now this. National Rail needs to get their act together.
Brian Thompson said, “I understand things happen, but the lack of communication and assistance from staff during these disruptions is unacceptable.”Â
Emily Smith said, “I’m just glad I wasn’t travelling today. These constant delays and disruptions are a nightmare for commuters“
