Business

High-speed train services in UK disrupted after cracks found

By Associated Press
May 8, 2021 at 8:51 a.m. EDT

LONDON — Passengers faced significant travel disruption Saturday in Britain as a number of high-speed trains were taken out of service to undergo precautionary checks for cracks.

Network Rail, which runs the nation’s tracks, said cracks were discovered on several Hitachi 800 trains. The trains are used by several train operators, including Great Western Railway, which serves passengers between London and the west of England and south Wales, and London North Eastern Railway, which connects links Edinburgh and London.

“There’s a crack that’s been spotted, and as a result of that — as a precaution — we’re checking all the trains, and while that’s taking place it’s better that they’re not used,” a spokesperson for the network said.

It was unclear specifically where the cracks were found and whether the inspections will also interfere with train services on Sunday. High-speed train services between cities were affected, but suburban rail routes were still running.

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