A lineside fire between Walsall and Perry Barr caused significant disruption to rail services on Tuesday afternoon, with trains delayed, cancelled, or revised while emergency services dealt with the incident.
The fire, which broke out alongside the tracks, prompted Network Rail to close the line for safety reasons. West Midlands Railway, which operates services on the route, advised passengers to check their journeys before travelling and allowed tickets to be used on alternative services.
Impact on Services
According to National Rail Enquiries, the incident led to delays of up to 30 minutes on some services, with a number of trains cancelled entirely. Passengers were advised to use alternative routes, including bus replacement services where available.
The disruption affected the Walsall to Birmingham New Street line, which serves stations including Perry Barr, Hamstead, and Tame Bridge Parkway. Commuters faced significant inconvenience during the afternoon peak, with many reporting overcrowding on alternative services.
Response from Authorities
A spokesperson for West Midlands Railway said: "We are sorry for the disruption caused by the lineside fire. Our teams are working closely with Network Rail and the emergency services to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."
The fire was reported at around 2:30 PM, and the line was reopened shortly after 5 PM, but residual delays continued into the evening as services were gradually back to normal.
Safety Measures
Network Rail engineers attended the scene to assess the damage to trackside equipment and ensure it was safe for trains to pass. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been started accidentally by a discarded cigarette or other debris.
Local residents reported seeing smoke rising from the area near the railway line, and some were concerned about the potential for the fire to spread to nearby vegetation. However, the fire was brought under control quickly, and no injuries were reported.
Advice for Passengers
Passengers are advised to check the latest travel information before setting off, as delays may continue into the evening. West Midlands Railway has said that tickets will be accepted on alternative routes, and refunds will be available for those who choose not to travel.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of the rail network to lineside fires, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry weather, litter, and vandalism. Network Rail has urged the public to report any signs of fire near the tracks immediately.
