Sinkholes discovered near a rail bridge in South London lead to major disruption for travellers to Gatwick Airport. Multiple reports say all rail lines between Purley and East Croydon are immediately closed to protect passengers while urgent repairs and checks are carried out. Because of the suspension on this route, Gatwick Express services are also halted, and passengers are advised not to travel through the affected area.
Passengers reach the airport or station to find services cancelled and queues form while replacement transport is arranged. The reports describe large numbers of people stranded at Gatwick and waiting for buses, with some accounts noting delays in access to alternative transport. Emergency measures are linked to the need to assess and repair bridge-related damage and the surrounding railway infrastructure after sinkholes appear.
Authorities and rail operators communicate service cancellations and travel advice as the closure remains in effect, with traffic and train schedules impacted for connections between London and Brighton that use the affected line segment.
