Disruption between Maidstone East and Otford expected until 15:00  

Route(s) affected

Trains between London Victoria and Ashford International, and also between London Charing Cross and Maidstone East

Description

A person has been hit by a train between Maidstone East and Otford. Whilst the emergency services carry out their work, some lines between these stations are closed. Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.

Disruption is expected until 15:00.

If you've been affected by what happened on the network today, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat.

What's happened?

A person was hit by a train between Maidstone East and Otford earlier. The line from Maidstone towards Swanley / London has reopened.

The line from Swanley towards Maidstone / Ashford remains closed.

How does this affect my journey?

Trains are unable to run from Otford to Maidstone East / Ashford Intermational. Trains from Ashford / Maidstone to Swanley / London can now run.

Where possible, trains will be diverted between Otford and Ashford International, calling at Sevenoaks and Paddock Wood.

Some services between Charing Cross and Maidstone East will divert to Ashford International, running non-stop between London Bridge and Ashford.

Affected routes:

• London Victoria to Ashford International via Maidstone East

• London Charing Cross to Maidstone East

What should I do?

Replacement buses are running.

You may use your ticket on these services at no extra cost:

• Stagecoach buses between Ashford and Maidstone

• Arriva bus routes

  • 72 between West Malling and Maidstone

  • 6 between Paddock Wood and Maidstone

  • 101 between Gillingham and Maidstone

• London Underground between our terminal stations

• Thameslink between Swanley and Sevenoaks

If you're travelling further afield and need assistance with your onward journey, for example you're worried about missed connections, or have accessibility needs, please contact our support team on WhatsApp (07866 002690) and use #SESupport.

Alternative routes:

For details of alternative routes that may be available to complete your journey, please refer to our Alternative routes during disruption maps.

How can I stay up to date?

You can follow Southeastern on Twitter (X) @SE_Railway or follow the Southeastern WhatsApp channel.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.