London Overground grounds entire Class 378 fleet over safety concerns

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London Overground's fleet of Class 378s was grounded at TfL's New Cross depot because of urgent safety inspections. Photo: Chris Humphreys.
London Overground's fleet of Class 378s was grounded at TfL's New Cross depot because of urgent safety inspections. Photo: Chris Humphreys.
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London Overground’s entire Class 378 fleet had to be withdrawn from service this morning after a brake calliper was discovered on the track, causing major disruption for commuters.

Workers found the braking system part during a track inspection near Shoreditch on the night of January 10-11, forcing TfL into action over safety concerns.

The emergency inspections led to a shortage of trains to run Overground services, meaning services stopped from Highbury & Islington to West Croydon, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace and New Cross Gate.

Services have now resumed following safety checks and TfL has promised to launch an investigation into the incident.

TfL’s director of rail and sponsored services Jonathan Fox said: “During track inspections last night debris on the track was discovered near Shoreditch.

“Safety is our top priority and so we have carried out urgent checks on all trains before allowing them to enter service this morning.”

London Overground is run by Arriva Rail London as a concession.


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