Bedbug Outbreak Forces Cancellation of Multiple Southern England Train Services
Bedbugs discovered in carriages at the West Marina depot have led to the cancellation of several Southern England rail services, including some High Speed 1 routes.
Rail operators in southern England halted multiple services after bedbugs were found crawling inside train carriages at the West Marina depot in East Sussex. Drivers discovered the insects in their cabs and on personal bags, leading some to refuse to operate the affected units without full-body protection suits, which were not supplied. As a result, a minimum of three services were cancelled on Friday, and earlier sightings date back to September 22.
The infestation also appeared on High Speed 1 routes, raising concerns of a broader spread. Pest control teams arrived on Friday morning, and Southeastern confirmed that four trains were reported as infested, with two successfully cleaned and cleared for service. Union representatives said they are working with the company to address passenger safety, while the railway maintains that the bugs were confined to driver cabins.
Why it matters
Commuters face disrupted travel and health concerns as bedbugs spread across key train lines in southern England.
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