Rail service gives update on massive disruption after person killed by train in Portsmouth

A train service has given an update over massive disruption caused when a person was killed by a train in Portsmouth earlier today.

Emergency crews attended the incident at Hilsea station around 12.30pm (September 21) as people were warned of delays with all lines blocked between Bedhampton and Fratton. Bus services have been transferring commuters.

South Western Railway (SWR) earlier said “trains may be cancelled, delayed or revised because of this problem” before adding in a post on X: “Due to a person being hit by a train between Bedhampton and Fratton all lines are blocked.

“To help you complete your journey; we have requested replacement buses to stop at all stations between Havant, Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour. We will update you when these are in place. Your journey will take longer than planned.

“At this time, we estimate that disruption to our services will end at 5.30pm.”

Now SWR, in an update, has said “all lines have now reopened” but now warned of further delays until 8.30pm. “As the investigations are ongoing this may change but we will update you if it does,” a post on X said.

A passenger at Hilsea station said people had to exit the train after the incident. “(The) train stopped and we had to exit at rear of train. Nasty scene. Police, fire service and ambulance on scene,” the person said.

British Transport Police said: “We were called to Hilsea station at 12.30pm today (21 September) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Officers attended, along with paramedics, but sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

More information: southwesternrailway.com/disruption