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Pictures show damage inside freight train which caught alight following fire at Dunton Green

These pictures show the devastation caused by a blaze on a freight train which has caused delays for commuters in the county today.

Firefighters tackled the fire at Dunton Green station near Sevenoaks at around 5am and services had to be cancelled or diverted as a result.

Now KentOnline has obtained these exclusive pictures which show how much damage was caused inside the train.

The driver's cabin has been left with melted seats and blacked out windows from the smoke which filled the inside.

All services between Orpington and Sevenoaks were cancelled and a replacement bus service is currently in operation.

No trains can call at Dunton Green, Knockholt or Chelsfield station as a result of the blaze.

The fire was put out by around 7.45am and at its height, six fire engines and scores of firefighters were at the scene tackling the flames.

Inside the freight train that caught fire
Inside the freight train that caught fire
Firefighters tackled the fire at Dunton Green station near Sevenoaks
Firefighters tackled the fire at Dunton Green station near Sevenoaks

As the pictures show, severe damage has been caused inside and even underneath the train and metal and other fixtures seem to have melted in the intense heat.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "At its height, six fire engines were at the scene, alongside other agencies and emergency services.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus worked hard in difficult conditions to contain and control the fire with a special foam designed to smother the flames.

"There are no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire has not been established."

Paddock Wood and Hastings services are diverting via Bat & Ball and will not call at Orpington, and there is a reduced service between Tunbridge Wells and London.

The inside of the freight train that caught fire between Orpington and Sevenoaks
The inside of the freight train that caught fire between Orpington and Sevenoaks

Grove Park, Bromley South, Hastings and Paddock Wood services may also be delayed, revised or cancelled.

There are also no Thameslink trains between Bickley, Swanley and Sevenoaks.

Commuters can use their tickets at no extra cost on high speed services between Ashford and London St Pancras International and on some underground routes.

Network Rail said its engineers will be moving the train as soon as possible but passenger services to Bat and Ball are still down.

The blaze erupted earlier this morning. Credit: @HammertimeLH44

A spokesperson added: “Fortunately no one was injured and we’re now working to move the damaged train, so we can get our Southeastern passengers moving again.

“Once we’ve moved the tamping train, a machine which restores the level of the track, we’ll need to check for damage to the infrastructure in case repairs are needed.

"At the moment, we estimate it could take most of the morning to clear, so please continue to check before you travel for updates.

"We’re very sorry for the disruption this has caused and are working to get services back up and running as soon as we can.”

Plumes of smoke could be seen in the local area. Picture: Sonya Flood
Plumes of smoke could be seen in the local area. Picture: Sonya Flood
The blaze could be seen from Ryewood estate. Picture: John Gardiner
The blaze could be seen from Ryewood estate. Picture: John Gardiner

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