Express train catches fire

12:45pm Saturday 3rd February 2007

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More than 800 people were evacuated from Didcot railway station today following a fire on an express train.

Around eight fire engines rushed to the station at around 10.20am following reports flames were leaping from the back of a train.

The First Great Western Swansea to London Paddington service had pulled into Didcot when passengers were asked to leave the train.

Witnesses reported seeing a fire at the rear of the train and thick black smoke billowing from the engine.

Firefighters doused the flames in foam in a bid to stop the blaze spreading to the platform.

Early reports suggest there were no injuries, but services were disrupted while emergency crews tackled the blaze.

Pc Bob Burrowes, from British Transport Police, said the fire was thought to have been sparked in the train's exhaust.

Hundreds of rugby fans heading to Twickenham for the Six Nations clash between England and Scotland were expected to make the 4pm kick-off.

Many First Great Western services were delayed and some trains due to stop at Didcot bypassed the station and headed to Reading.