A DERAILED freight train has caused travel chaos after coming off the tracks between Kent and London.
The “low speed” incident has sparked major delays at St Pancras after derailing at the Hoo Junction depot between Gravesend and Strood in Kent this morning.
One of the train’s wheels came off the rails, leading to several wagons blocking southbound lines.
The derailment has caused long delays and cancellations to passengers travelling on services operated by Southeastern.
High-speed services from London St Pancras International towards Strood are being diverted after Ebbsfleet International.
Network Rail said it will use a “rescue locomotive” to remove the wagons blocking passenger trains.
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In a statement they said: “These recoveries can prove tricky sometimes so please continue to check before you travel for the latest information and alternative options.”
Southeastern warned that trains heading towards the capital “may be delayed or amended at short notice”.
The derailment also means that all trains from Gravesend towards Rochester are cancelled, with trains from Rochester to Dartford being delayed.
Disruption is expected to continue until later on this afternoon.
Southeastern train passengers were already working on a reduced service due to staff shortages because of coronavirus.
Operators across Britain have taken the same measure in an attempt to reduce the number of short-notice cancellations.
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