Gatwick Airport station was evacuated on September 29 due to severe overcrowding as rail chaos spread across the Thameslink network following two separate incidents where individuals were struck by trains. The station was completely cleared with no passengers permitted to enter until further notice, creating significant disruption for travelers attempting to access one of Britain's busiest airports.

The disruption began when emergency services were first called at 9:13 am to a person hit by a train between Luton and St Albans City, blocking all lines between these stations. Just over an hour later, a second incident occurred at 10:55 am when another person was struck between Haywards Heath and Gatwick Airport. Both incidents occurred outside London but created widespread travel chaos affecting routes in and out of the capital.

Thameslink issued a stark warning to passengers, stating 'Due to multiple incidents across the network, Thameslink services will be cancelled until further notice and we recommend not to travel.' The rail operator advised passengers on stationary trains to remain onboard unless directed by staff, assuring them that 'We know where you are and we are working to get you on the move again shortly.'

The disruption extended beyond Thameslink services, affecting multiple rail operators across southern England. Southern services between Brighton, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon and London were expected to be cancelled or severely delayed, while Gatwick Express services were suspended entirely. East Midlands Railway trains were also affected, with services unable to run between Luton and London St Pancras International, and Connect route services between Corby and London St Pancras International were similarly disrupted.

A major fire involving a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles has forced the complete closure of the M5 motorway in Devon, causing significant traffic disruption during Wednesday morning's rush hour. The blaze erupted at approximately 7am between junctions 28 at Cullompton and 29 near Exeter, prompting emergency services to shut the critical transport artery in both directions. Motorists reported being trapped in standstill traffic for hours, with some forced to cancel or postpone work commitments due to the extensive delays.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the transporter was "fully involved" in fire, with five fire appliances and a water bowser deployed to battle the intense blaze. Photographs and footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the incident, with fierce orange flames engulfing both the transporter and its electric vehicle cargo. One witness reported hearing explosions during the incident, though authorities have not confirmed the cause of these sounds.

National Highways, Devon and Cornwall Police, and multiple emergency services remain on scene coordinating the response. The closure has resulted in delays of approximately 30 minutes on approaches to the affected stretch of motorway. Authorities have implemented diversion routes, with southbound traffic directed to exit at junction 28 and northbound traffic at junction 29, though police are advising motorists to avoid the area entirely due to significant traffic issues.

National Highways has not provided an estimate for when the M5 will reopen to traffic. The agency advised road users to allow extra journey time and consider rerouting or delaying travel plans. The incident highlights the growing challenges of transporting electric vehicles and the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, though the exact cause of this particular fire remains under investigation by authorities.