High winds disrupt travel in Essex

The stranded train near Billericay station

Around 100 passengers were forced to walk on a live train track after a tree blaze. It is thought strong winds blew the tree against overhead cables between Billericay and Wickford stations. It caught light forcing a train to suspend its journey. Fire crews rushed to the scene and passengers on board were forced to get off and walk about two-and-a-half miles back to Billericay Station. The incident, which occurred at 08.30 GMT, forced the closure of the line and all trains between Southend and London were suspended [BBC]. Further disruption was caused near to Liverpool Street after a fire at a signal centre. Essex roads faired little better after a jack-knifed lorry resulted in the closure of the A12 at Kelvedon. High winds brought down trees in many parts of the county and one driver had a lucky escape after a tree fell on his Renault van. The incident occurred near Southend Airport at 07:15 GMT at the height of the morning rush hour [Basildon Echo]. The high winds are expected to return over the weekend.