Fire

The first day back at work after my holiday and the train home makes an impromptu stop at Chislehurst. There was a fire at Paddock Wood so the line was closed. The guard told us that there would be an alternative train or bus service to get us home.

So we all pile off the train and wait for some info.......5 minutes......10 minutes......nothing. Let's go and ask the ticket office.

The chap at the ticket counter didn't know anything about the fire.
Some of us 'phone SE Trains hotline, they didn't know anything about the fire.
There were NO alternative arrangements.

After several 'phone calls the ticket office chap announces that another train will be making an unscheduled stop to pick us up and go on to Tonbridge then we can make our way from there. Five minutes later the train stops and we pile on.

It turns out the fire is now under control but the down platform at Paddock Wood is still closed so those who need to get to Paddock Wood can go to the next station, Marden, and get a train back up the line to Paddock Wood as the up platforms are still open.

As we went through Paddock Wood the devastation is immense. There is a thick, black smoke high into the air and we can still feel the heat of the dying embers from 100 yards away. The warehouse has all but gone, just the twisted metal outer casing remains and the top of that has melted inwards.

I was feeling aggrieved about getting home late but seeing the fire site made me feel guilty for being so selfish.

I hope everyone got out in time.