Flooded tube line causes chaos for commuters

Central Line commuters in London were forced to evacuate on foot after a Thames Water burst water main flooded Transport for London (TFL) rail tracks.


The incident, which occurred on Wednesday (June 6) evening in the Mile end area of the line, has raised concerns that London’s transport system is not robust or reliable enough to cope with the influx of visitors expected during the Olympic Games.

Flood waters are thought to have covered about 800 yards of the tunnel and left commuters stranded on the tube before being led on foot to safety.

Rail Maritime and Transport Union leader Bob Crow, said: “We repeat our call for an urgent investigation into just why the Tube has been reduced to daily chaos just weeks away from the city’s biggest ever transport challenge.”

Apologising for the disruption yesterday, a TFL spokesperson said: “A burst Thames Water main yesterday has severely flooded a Central Line tunnel, affecting signalling, power and communications equipment.

“London Underground engineers have been working flat-out alongside those from Thames Water to clear up after this, but the sheer volume of water means this operation could take until at least lunchtime today.”

At the time of going to press Thames Water failed to respond to a request by edie to comment.

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