Thousands face delays as blaze hits power lines on rail link

Published on Monday 21 January 2008 00:00

THOUSANDS of commuters face delays this morning after a major blaze damaged overhead power lines on the Cumbernauld to Lanark rail line near to the busy A8 in Lanarkshire.

Fire appliances were called to deal with 400 tonnes of burning tyres on wasteland near the Cumbernauld section of the road, which links two sections of the M8.

More than 25 firefighters battled the blaze, which pumped thick, black smoke into the evening skies.

No-one was hurt in the incident, which fire officials said occurred near the former building yard of waste firm Shanks & McEwan.

Last night, it was not known if the fire, which began just after 7pm, was started deliberately.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire Brigade said that crews from Cumbernauld, Coatbridge and Hamilton Community fire stations attended the blaze.

He explained that train services on the line had been suspended because of the proximity of the blaze, adding: "We understand there has been some damage to the electrical lines on the railway line.

"The location of the incident and its proximity to railway lines has necessitated the stoppage of trains on the main Cumbernauld to Lanark rail line."

The spokesman said it was not clear if trains services would be restored in time for the morning rush hour. But he added that, unless the wind changed direction, motorists travelling on the A8 would not be in danger.

Last night, a spokeswoman for the fire service said that, in previous situations involving blazing tyres, residents had been asked to stay in their homes and keep their windows shut to avoid inhaling any harmful fumes.

She added: "The nearest residential housing is more than half a mile away and the wind is not blowing the fire in that direction, so we are not taking any such precautions at the moment."