Great Western Coffee Shop

Lightning strike causing delays on South West rail line

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A lightning strike is causing signalling problems on the railway, leading to delays for First Great Western users.

The incident happened at about 3pm, causing delays of up to an hour on the line between Plymouth and Bodmin.

It had a knock-on effect to services at Tiverton Parkway, with the 2pm Penzance to London Paddington service delayed by over an hour - calling at Tiverton at 18.20 rather than 17.18.

A Network Rail statement said the lightning had struck "line-side equipment".

It added: "Owing to lightning having damaged equipment between Liskeard and Bodmin Parkway trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.

"Train services running through these stations are returning to normal but some services may still be delayed by up to 20 mins or revised at short notice. Normal services will be provided as soon as possible."

Trains departing from Tiverton Parkway are now running on time but First Great Western recommend all customers should check before they travel.