Commuter chaos after work to move an East London Line extension bridge damages main line tracks

Trains into Liverpool Street Station were cancelled last night and this morning after debris from a newly built bridge fell onto train tracks.

The incident happened about 200 yards outside of the station as work was being carried out by Balfour Beattie Carillion to construct a bridge for the East London Line extension.

At about 7.30pm yesterday the 1800 tonne steel truss bridge was being moved into its final fixing position using jacks.

One of the jacks gave way causing the the bridge to drop about 200mm and debris to fall onto the main line tracks below.

It is known that a train hit the debris, forcing 300 passengers to walk along the tracks to reach the station. No injuries were reported.

A TfL spokesperson said: "Balfour Beattie Carillion, TfL and Network Rail engineers are on site and have been working through the night. We continue to work to restore services soon as possible.

Balfour Beattie Carillion, TfL and Network Rail engineers are on site and have been working through the night. We continue to work to restore services soon as possible

"We would like to apologise for unconvienience caused to passengers."

The suspension of train services has caused major chaos to commuters this morning. Instead of arriving into London trains have been terminating at Tottenham Hale, Hackney Downs or Seven Sisters.

A restricted service began just before 10am and a full service is expected to resume by 2pm.

The Balfour Beatty Carillion joint venture won the £363m contract to create the new East London Line extension in 2006. It is due to open in 2010.

Fairfield Mabey is the bridging contractor that was carrying out the work.

TfL said it was working with its contractors and the rail authorities to carry out a full investigation into the incident.