Power Car fire - 27 Mar 13

[whole diary]

[bobm]

This morning's 07:09 Worcester to Paddington has come to a stand between Kemble and Swindon after a fire in the front power car.

No injuries reported, the fire is out and passengers are safe but still on board. 

It is on the single line section so no services between Swindon and Gloucester/Cheltenham at present.

[quedgeley2002]

I was on this train yesterday morning. Everything was fine until a few minutes out of Kemble on the single line when a nasty electrical burning smell started to come through the air conditioning. Very quickly the folks travelling in the leading coach A (set was in reverse formation) were moving into the next coach as the fumes in there were very unpleasant. The brakes went on and we stopped a mile or so short of the Minety level crossing.

The fire on the leading power car seemed to be quickly extinguished. The Train Manager advised everyone what the problem was and explained in the right level of detail what the process would be to sort matters out. It is clear that there are well defined procedures in these circumstances which were executed effectively.

Having stopped so far away from the nearest road there was always gong to be a delay in getting the fire brigade, FGW^▸ (First Great Western) management and fitters, and Network Rail to the scene. However we were kept informed and the buffet was opened to all and when the rear power car was switched back on the hot drinks and heating followed! The Train Manger provided periodic updates and seemed to manage the situation very well.

We finally moved - being pushed by the rear power car - and arrived at Swindon just under three hours late. The platform was awash with FGW staff adorned in orange hi-viz jackets to ensure passengers were ushered to the waiting London train at the next platform. Transport was also arranged to take those that wanted it back to Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester and Cheltenham however it was a bit odd that the already delayed 1054 to Cheltenham was not held to pick up those folks that wanted to turnaround and go back home. Probably the lack of enough platforms at Swindon precluded this!

So, in summary, well done FGW for resolving a difficult problem that could have been much worse had an evacuation been necessary and well done to the on train staff for their actions.

Hopefully the provision of the second track when the redoubling is completed will make it easier and quicker to recover these problems in future?

[bobm]

Thank you quedgeley2002 for that update.

Obviously a bit of an unnerving experience but good to hear the on-board staff kept you informed, quite often we see on these boards that information is not forthcoming in times of disruption.

I suppose the re-doubling would have helped in these circumstances, although I doubt anything would have been allowed past until it was confirmed the fire was out and everyone off the track.