On Friday 23 October, a GB Railfreight container train travelling from London Gateway partially derailed at Barking, causing significant damage to the railway infrastructure and disruption across the route.
Unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage, c2c services will continue to be impacted throughout the coming week, with trains not calling at Dagenham Dock, Rainham, and Purfleet until further notice.
Customers intending to travel from those affected stations are advised not to travel. Alternative travel arrangements, including rail replacement buses and ticket acceptance on local bus services, will remain in place.
GBR Anglia, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), and GB Railfreight engineers have been working together to remove the derailed train and assess the damage caused to the railway infrastructure. This is a complex operation, with around 1.2km of track affected, and detailed inspections are continuing to establish the full extent of the repairs required before the route can safely reopen.
Martin Beable, chief operating officer for GBR Anglia, said: “At around 13:10 on Friday, we received reports of a partial derailment of a freight train at Barking station.
“The RAIB attended the site following the incident and will carry out an investigation.
“Our engineers are on site assessing the damage and are in the process of removing the damaged wagon. Once this work is complete, repairs to the railway can begin, with the aim of restoring normal train services as quickly and safely as possible.
“This recovery is complex due to the significant damage to infrastructure with approximately 1.2km of track needing to be renewed.
“We are asking customers travelling from Dagenham Dock, Rainham, Purfleet and Grays not to travel until further notice. Customers travelling elsewhere on the route are encouraged to check their journey before travelling.
“We apologise for the ongoing disruption, and we will continue to keep customers updated as the recovery continues”.
Alternative travel arrangements
Tickets are being accepted on Greater Anglia services and TfL buses between Barking, Dagenham Dock, and Rainham at no extra cost. Tickets are also being accepted on First Essex buses between Purfleet and Grays at no extra cost.
Rail replacement buses will operate between Upminster and Grays, calling at Rainham, Purfleet and Grays.
For Dagenham Dock, customers should take local bus services to Dagenham Heathway station or to Barking.
Customers may also use the Superloop bus service between Rainham and Tilbury at no extra cost.
If you have been delayed, you will be eligible for compensation for your journey. Find out more about compensation and how to claim at https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/help-feedback/delay-repay/.
Image credit: GBR Anglia
