A FIRE which started on a carriage in Eltham has led to alterations being made to all Connex Networker trains.

The fire was caused when a device to stop trains slipping on leaves on the line stopped the electricity in the train from earthing.

The 750 volts which the trains run on could not earth itself after a mixture, poured onto the track to stop train slippage, caused a short circuit.

Railtrack pour a mixture of glue and sand, called Sandite, onto the tracks to prevent wheel slip caused by leaves on the line.

But in large quantities, Sandite is an insulator. Too much Sandite was poured onto the track so the electricity, which usually earths itself through the wheels, was unable to escape.

The current ripped along the metal break pipes causing the rubber pads to melt producing thick toxic smoke. The power finally burst out of a light bulb in the driver's cabin accompanied by smoke billowing into the small compartment.

The 11.53am service from Cannon Street to Dartford made the unscheduled stop near Eltham at 12.35pm.

More than 50 passengers were forced to walk along the track to safety and the driver was rushed to hospital for smoke inhalation.

The insulation between the motor vehicle and adjoining train is to be improved so electricity cannot escape until it can be earthed through the rails.

Connex say this was only the second time this has occurred in 10 years.

Spokesman Dave Ewart said: "There was no danger to passengers. It is not desirable to have current looking for somewhere to earth on a passenger train."

Changes start next month and will take two years to complete.

November 13, 2001 11:55

John Higginson