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Storm Dennis: train damaged and services delayed after collision with fallen tree at Longfield

Passengers have been delayed after a train collided with a fallen tree brought down by Storm Dennis.

Network Rail sent engineers to the scene after a train was damaged and became trapped when it hit the tree at Longfield at 10.16am this morning.

Passengers were delayed after a train hit a tree near Longfield. Picture: Network Rail
Passengers were delayed after a train hit a tree near Longfield. Picture: Network Rail

The collision meant the line was blocked for other services travelling to London from Medway.

Pictures tweeted by Network Rail showed the scene as well as damage to one of the train's windows.

Specialist mechanics were called to check the train and a chainsaw team was called to chop back the tree trunk.

The rail operators thanked passengers for their patience.

A spokesman for Southeastern said: “A falling tree struck one of our trains travelling from Dover Priory to London Victoria at 10:16am this morning, damaging one of the windows. The train was then moved to Longfield where it was inspected by our fitters, before moving on to Swanley station where it was terminated and taken out of service for safety reasons. No-one was hurt in the incident. We’re sorry for the delay caused to passengers’ journeys, and we’d encourage people to claim for Delay Repay by visiting the Southeastern website.”

The tree has now been removed and the line has been reopened.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

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