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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Travellers left stranded as major disruption continues after Queen's funeral

Travellers have been left stranded after transport chaos struck on the day of the Queen's funeral.

Knock-on effects were felt across the south of England as trains were unable to enter or leave Paddington station in London from 6.30am on Monday, due to damage to overhead electric wires near Hayes and Harlington station.

The disruption on the rail network meant a number of mourners hoping to pay their respects to the late monarch ended up having to turn home as they were unable to make it into the capital in time.

In a blow to commuters, National Rail has now confirmed this disruption was expected to continue until midday on Tuesday - meaning the first rush hour after the bank holiday will also be affected.

Network Rail said a signal issue in London meant no trains would run between Paddington and Reading until Tuesday afternoon (KMM / BEEM)

Services run by GWR, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line also experienced disruption throughout the day on Monday, including changes to timetable and cancellations.

And at Reading Station, crowds of frustrated passengers found themselves unable to enter London or travel further west on their way out, forcing staff to order taxis for passengers. Some reportedly ended up travelling as far as Birmingham by cab.

Mourners travelling into the capital in the morning resorted to watching funeral proceedings on their mobiles as they were stuck on trains and platforms.

The disruption meant some mourners ended up missing the Queen's funeral procession (KMM / BEEM)

Gaby Thomas, 29, who travelled from Castle Cary, Somerset, with her father, said: "My dad is a former naval officer and he wanted to see the procession and the military involved.

"It's just about being there. We were meant to arrive in Paddington at about 8.30am. We are still hoping to catch the end of the procession."

Passengers on a GWR train were told by a member of staff using the public address system: "My sincerest apologies for the delays on such an important day for the country."

In a statement late on Monday Network Rail advised passengers to avoid all non-essential travel between London and Reading on Tuesday, adding: "We will be working overnight to restore the overhead electric lines (power cables) to enable train services to operate."

"Passengers wishing to travel between London and Reading on Tuesday 20 September are advised to plan to travel via Reading to London Waterloo, and passengers can also travel via Oxford into London Marylebone.

"We sincerely apologise for the significant disruption caused by this substantial de-wirement."

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