A HUGE fire by railway tracks has halted all services to one of the UK’s busiest train stations and left motorists engulfed in smoke on the M25.
Thick plumes of smoke visible for miles triggered at least 50 emergency calls at around 2pm after the blaze broke out near Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, close to the M25.
Crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are currently tackling the flames adjacent to the tracks in Waltham Abbey.
Trains running to and from London Liverpool Street station have been stopped as a result of the blaze.
Greater Anglia said the London Fire Brigade requested trains were stopped because of multiple fires close to the railway lines.
Services to and from Stansted Airport in Essex, Cambridge North, Meridian Water in Hertfordshire and Hertford East were all affected.
All Greater Anglia services towards London Liverpool Street being diverted via Seven Sisters.
Meanwhile, drivers are being warned to take extra care on the M25 between junctions 25 (Enfield) and 26 (Waltham Abbey), where smoke from the fire is affecting visibility on the carriageway.
Rail operators warned that significant disruption across the network is expected to continue until further notice.
A Stansted Express spokesperson said: “Train services running through this station may be delayed or diverted via Seven Sisters. Disruption is expected until further notice.
“Unfortunately, we have received reports of multiple fires close to the railway lines and as a result, and a safety precaution, the London Fire Brigade have instructed that all train movements in the area be stopped.
“In reaction trains towards and from Liverpool Street will be diverted via Seven Sisters until further notice.
“Network Rail and the emergency response team are on site working as quickly as possible to put out the fires and restore the train service to normal.”
Alternative travel options are in place for affected passengers.
Greater Anglia tickets are being accepted on London Underground services, as well as on Great Northern, Thameslink, London Buses, and London Overground routes.
Passengers travelling between Stratford and Hertford East may use services via Liverpool Street or the Central Line on the Underground.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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