Delays are expected until end of service today. Credit: Fiona Gillies
A sink-hole has opened under tracks at Forest Hill for the second time in two weeks causing major train disruptions.
Many commuters going to work today were faced with delays after a “small” 30cm hole was found in Forest Hill at 3am.
This comes after a 13ft sink-hole had opened less than two weeks ago at the same station.
Due to “safety inspection” between East Croydon and London Bridge, no trains are running into London Bridge.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Engineers have been monitoring the site of the previous hole under the railway at Forest Hill since that incident occurred in mid-July.
“We spotted a small hole at 3am today and closed the two lines above it to trains.
This new hole is about just over half a metre deep and we are working to open it out to investigate the scale of repairs we need to make today.
Our aim is to open the railway as soon as possible. Apologies for the disruption.”
It was also confirmed that the disruptions are expected to continue till the end of the day today.
#ForestHill disruption between East Croydon and London Bridge is now expected until end of service
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) August 4, 2016
These delays have caused major outrage from commuters across social media.
It appears @networkrail filled the #ForestHill sinkhole with candy floss and hope. Bored to death of terrible/no service
— Richard Knowles (@Rich_MK1) August 4, 2016
Martin Wheatley highlighted a bigger problem that needs addressing
#ForestHill hole has recurred two weeks after “fixed”! When will govt accept that @networkrail & @SouthernRailUK just not up to the job?
— Martin Wheatley (@wheatley_martin) August 4, 2016
While another Twitter user had a dark theory as to why this had reoccured at Forest Hill
In just a few weeks the #ForestHill sinkhole has made tens of trains vanish. It’s the south east London Bermuda Triangle
— John Beck (@johnbeck_) August 4, 2016
Due to the chaos, there is no London Overground service between New Cross Gate, Crystal Palace and West Croydon.
Thameslink services are also not running from East Croydon to London Bridge.
However, London Underground and London buses are accepting tickets via any reasonable route.
