Overview
- Great Western Railway reported that a gas leak close to the railway has closed all lines through Didcot Parkway and stopped services that normally run between Didcot Parkway and Reading.
- Train operators have cancelled multiple services including the 6.41pm Swindon to London Paddington and a 7.11pm service, and warned of short‑notice changes across routes serving Oxford, Reading, Swindon and London.
- Gas network engineers from SGN are on site working to repair the leak and safety crews have placed an exclusion zone that currently prevents trains from operating through the affected section.
- Rail operators are offering mitigation: GWR tickets are being accepted on other operators where possible, CrossCountry is running hourly replacement coaches between Oxford and Reading, and staff at stations are helping customers find alternative routes.
- Passengers should avoid travel on the affected corridor, check operator updates before travelling and expect disruption to continue until authorities confirm the area is safe and the line is reopened.