Travel disrupted after train heading to major airport ‘catches fire’

Barney Davis | Night News Editor Published August 20, 2026 2:32pm Updated August 20, 2026 2:33pm Smoke was spotted billowing out of a train, causing disruption to holidaymakers trying to get to Gatwick Airport. Southern has received reports of a fire on an empty train at Clapham Junction, with railway lines between Balham and London Victoria currently blocked. A spokesman said: ‘Following reports of smoke from an empty Southeastern train travelling to a depot, engineers attended and identified the cause as a brake fault. ‘The issue has been resolved, the train has moved safely and all lines have reopened.’ The incident disrupted Southern and Gatwick Express services between Balham and London Victoria. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates n