Passengers evacuated from broken-down train on hottest day of the year

On June 24, 2025, in the UK, extreme heat resulted in a significant disruption to train services when a Thameslink train broke down near Loughborough Junction. Passengers were left stranded inside the train for several hours as temperatures soared to nearly 34C, the hottest day of the year. The lack of air conditioning led to complaints from passengers who described the conditions as unbearable, equating it to being 'boiled alive' in a hot oven. As the situation became increasingly uncomfortable, British Transport Police were called for assistance to evacuate the passengers. The breakdown was attributed to a mechanical fault, which caused widespread delays across the network. Emergency services were deployed, and footage shared on social media depicted passengers helping each other disembark the train onto the tracks. Though initially, the authorities advised passengers to remain on the train for safety, the unbearable heat prompted a change in strategy, resulting in the evacuation via the tracks. Health experts had previously issued warnings about the risks associated with extreme heat, predicting a rise in health-related issues during the heatwave. Charitable organizations also urged citizens to check on vulnerable individuals who might suffer from the heat. An amber heat-health alert was in place, indicating the potential for serious health impacts. Fatalities related to heat exposure had been a concern, as research indicated that hundreds could succumb to heat-related health issues during such events. In a separate incident on the same day, Amtrak faced challenges when one of its trains became stuck in a Baltimore tunnel without power or air conditioning. Passengers on this train experienced similar discomfort as temperatures rose in the closed environment. Amtrak also had to implement an evacuation plan to ensure passenger safety. These incidents reflect the broader challenges that public transportation systems face during extreme weather conditions, highlighting the importance of effective contingency planning to ensure passenger comfort and safety during emergencies.