Essex Train Derails Near Wickford, Causing Major Travel Disruption

Rail services across Essex and parts of London faced severe disruption on Friday after a commuter train derailed south of Wickford station. The Greater Anglia service from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street came off the tracks at 14:12 BST, with two rear carriages leaving the rails while the train remained upright. More than 60 passengers were on board but nobody was injured, according to both investigators and ambulance crews.

Passenger Accounts: Wildly Swinging Train

Passenger Jon Young, 37, told the BBC the train swung wildly for around 10 seconds, resembling an experience of near-tipping. The train then continued moving for a couple of minutes while a horrible vibrating sound was heard. Smoke entered the rear carriage, causing panic among passengers who rushed toward the front. A second train that was unable to pass the scene was also evacuated.

Travel Chaos Expected to Continue

Network Rail warned passengers that major disruption would continue until at least Saturday, affecting services to Southminster and Braintree. All Greater Anglia trips from Wickford were cancelled. The derailment occurred less than 24 hours after two passengers were seriously injured in a separate derailment in East Sussex. The causes of the Wickford incident remain under investigation.