Trains to Brighton and Hove were delayed this evening (Friday 23 May) after a death on the tracks at Balcombe.
The British Transport Police were called to the scene at about 7.30pm.
The National Rail website said: “A person has been hit by a train at Balcombe causing delays of up to 60 minutes to trains between Gatwick Airport and Brighton, Worthing and Eastbourne.”
Passengers were diverted via Horsham, the Arun Valley line, Barnham and Littlehampton, with no trains running between Three Bridges and Haywards Heath.
Train operators Southern and First Capital Connect have been updating passengers on Twitter using the hashtag #Balcombe.
Passengers were told that they could use their tickets on all reasonable alternative routes.
Hundred of Train travellers were left standing at the front of Three Bridges Train Station from 8.20 pm onwards and no buses or any other transport was available to travel towards Brighton. Many were forced to share Taxis and make their journey home. People were waiting upto 3-4 hours and only One or Two Coaches were spotted loading a few passengers. Very bad organising on the part of Southern Trains.
Hundred of Train travellers were left standing at the front of Three Bridges Train Station from 8.20 pm onwards and no buses or any other transport was available to travel towards Brighton. Many were forced to share Taxis and make their journey home. People were waiting upto 3-4 hours and only One or Two Coaches were spotted loading a few passengers. Very bad organising on the part of Southern Trains.
Have some consideration, someone lost their life,
You know nothing on the circumstances,
And all you seem to care about is the delays??
Heartless cold person you are.
Really Ms Lyn? People standing at 3 Bridges 50 minutes after the whole line is shut down by a selfish suicide? What would your solution have been to the sheer indignity of having to share a taxi or wait for buses? Do you think there is a fleet of buses available on instant callup ready to shuttle the dreadfuls down to Brighton?
Really Ms Lyn? People standing at 3 Bridges 50 minutes after the whole line is shut down by a selfish suicide? What would your solution have been to the sheer indignity of having to share a taxi or wait for buses? Do you think there is a fleet of buses available on instant callup ready to shuttle the dreadfuls down to Brighton?
Can I just comment to say it was not a selfish suicide at all.. The man in question was only in his mid 20s and had mental health problems that were not addressed or handled the way they should have been and as much as commuters went through a lot of stress you should take a moment to think about the family and friends of the person who sadly felt he had no other option but to take his own life.. This is a very sad time for everyone who knew this lovely young man and I would ask that you think of those people and the train driver while you complain about transport.. Thank you
Can I just comment to say it was not a selfish suicide at all.. The man in question was only in his mid 20s and had mental health problems that were not addressed or handled the way they should have been and as much as commuters went through a lot of stress you should take a moment to think about the family and friends of the person who sadly felt he had no other option but to take his own life.. This is a very sad time for everyone who knew this lovely young man and I would ask that you think of those people and the train driver while you complain about transport.. Thank you
I was on the train involved in this incident and found the work of all concerned to be exemplary. Considering we were situated in a remote location that would not have been easy to access, the rail crew and emergency services dealt with a difficult and upsetting situation efficiently and professionally. The driver, despite being clearly shaken and upset, kept us updated as often as he could and the relief driver was equally attentive. As soon as they got the train moving and into the next station we were moved to another train that had been kept waiting for us. We waited a little over two hours to truly be en route again. Considering what everyone went through to get us moving again, that’s hardly any time at all. I’m extremely grateful to all of those listed above.
My deepest sympathies to the family of the young man who was killed and to the driver of the train.
I was on the train involved in this incident and found the work of all concerned to be exemplary. Considering we were situated in a remote location that would not have been easy to access, the rail crew and emergency services dealt with a difficult and upsetting situation efficiently and professionally. The driver, despite being clearly shaken and upset, kept us updated as often as he could and the relief driver was equally attentive. As soon as they got the train moving and into the next station we were moved to another train that had been kept waiting for us. We waited a little over two hours to truly be en route again. Considering what everyone went through to get us moving again, that’s hardly any time at all. I’m extremely grateful to all of those listed above.
My deepest sympathies to the family of the young man who was killed and to the driver of the train.
I can only re-iterate what Bruce has already said. I was also on the FCC train that was involved in this on Friday.
The driver was very shaken but utterly professional, as were the paramedics that attended on the train to ensure there were no injuries because of the emergency stop.
The relief driver kept us all informed throughout the restart and slow trundle into Haywards Heath.
Sympathies of course to the family, but especially the driver who I am sure will never be quite the same again.
I can only re-iterate what Bruce has already said. I was also on the FCC train that was involved in this on Friday.
The driver was very shaken but utterly professional, as were the paramedics that attended on the train to ensure there were no injuries because of the emergency stop.
The relief driver kept us all informed throughout the restart and slow trundle into Haywards Heath.
Sympathies of course to the family, but especially the driver who I am sure will never be quite the same again.
Yep, good work by the driver and FCC but why did the jumper have to inconvenience so many people in his final act? To say it isn’t selfish is untrue.
Yep, good work by the driver and FCC but why did the jumper have to inconvenience so many people in his final act? To say it isn’t selfish is untrue.
Very very sad that this lad felt he had no option but there are so many ways to achieve this without involving other people I’m sure the train driver will never be the same and I find that sad and very unfair, It wasn’t so long ago there was a suicide at County Mall and I do think it’s selfish especially as others could be hurt physically not to mention the trauma.In my view the inconvenience to others is irrelevant it’s much more about the emotional issues for those affected by this act.My thoughts are with all involved, family, friends and especially the train driver….what an awful thing to witness.
Very very sad that this lad felt he had no option but there are so many ways to achieve this without involving other people I’m sure the train driver will never be the same and I find that sad and very unfair, It wasn’t so long ago there was a suicide at County Mall and I do think it’s selfish especially as others could be hurt physically not to mention the trauma.In my view the inconvenience to others is irrelevant it’s much more about the emotional issues for those affected by this act.My thoughts are with all involved, family, friends and especially the train driver….what an awful thing to witness.
Selfish how can any1 say this was selfish for your 2 hours some1 else will never get the chance to even travel on a train again baffles me people like you
Selfish how can any1 say this was selfish for your 2 hours some1 else will never get the chance to even travel on a train again baffles me people like you
I’m so glad to see that so many of you are thinking of the train driver – he is my brother, and has been very traumatised and upset ever since this happened. He will also have to relive it in the police interviews and also will have to be a witness at the inquest, so the ordeal will be prolonged for him.
My thoughts are also with the young man’s family.
I’m so glad to see that so many of you are thinking of the train driver – he is my brother, and has been very traumatised and upset ever since this happened. He will also have to relive it in the police interviews and also will have to be a witness at the inquest, so the ordeal will be prolonged for him.
My thoughts are also with the young man’s family.
I doubt if the suicidal guy sat down and wrote a list of those he would be inconveniencing or upsetting. People who commit suicide don’t THINK like that, so don’t blame them. It’s tragic, horrific and wrong. My thoughts go out to his family and to the train driver.
I doubt if the suicidal guy sat down and wrote a list of those he would be inconveniencing or upsetting. People who commit suicide don’t THINK like that, so don’t blame them. It’s tragic, horrific and wrong. My thoughts go out to his family and to the train driver.
I too was on the train.
Thoughts go out to the young man, the driver and also the two passengers from my carriage that had first aid training, and went to help the driver after his announcement. They both saw the effect of what happened to the drivers cabin. Both were shaken up but did a fantastic job to help the driver and also inform a lot of other passengers on the train.
Just after the initial impact and some loud noises I though we were going to derail .But after I realised we/I was safe. I didn’t care how long I was delayed. Was just happy to be safe.
A lot of people on the train voiced their thoughts going out to the young man and great job the driver and relief driver did.
I too was on the train.
Thoughts go out to the young man, the driver and also the two passengers from my carriage that had first aid training, and went to help the driver after his announcement. They both saw the effect of what happened to the drivers cabin. Both were shaken up but did a fantastic job to help the driver and also inform a lot of other passengers on the train.
Just after the initial impact and some loud noises I though we were going to derail .But after I realised we/I was safe. I didn’t care how long I was delayed. Was just happy to be safe.
A lot of people on the train voiced their thoughts going out to the young man and great job the driver and relief driver did.
I disagree with you Cat he knew which was the best train ( fast one ) so he clearly did think and Dan I said he was selfish as he caused a lot of upset not only to the witness’s but the people who knew and loved him….I would also like to add that I witnessed a suicide attempt 19 yrs ago and it’s something you never forget. I am genuinely sorry that this lad felt he had to do this it’s very sad but I do honestly think there are ways he could have lessened all the upset, I’m not talking about the people that were stuck without transport but the passengers on the train and particularly the driver
I disagree with you Cat he knew which was the best train ( fast one ) so he clearly did think and Dan I said he was selfish as he caused a lot of upset not only to the witness’s but the people who knew and loved him….I would also like to add that I witnessed a suicide attempt 19 yrs ago and it’s something you never forget. I am genuinely sorry that this lad felt he had to do this it’s very sad but I do honestly think there are ways he could have lessened all the upset, I’m not talking about the people that were stuck without transport but the passengers on the train and particularly the driver
If I hadn’t luckily got an earlier train I’d have picketed his funeral for wasting my evening..
If I hadn’t luckily got an earlier train I’d have picketed his funeral for wasting my evening..
clearly few people understand suicide so let me inform you. People who are suicidal are in the biggest pain a human can suffer and calling their death selfish shows an extraordinary lack of compassion to the extent that you should question your own values.
Think of this man in pain, think of his family and the driver and ambulance crew. Show some empathy for others not just your own life because doing that in my book is utterly selfish.