Train passengers faced chaos as damage from Storm Elin led to ‘explosions’ on overhead wires in Manchester.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the explosions on overheard wires close to Piccadilly Station at about 5.30pm on Saturday, December 9. It resulted in significant delays on the rail network.
Trains usualyl calling at two of the platforms were unable to do so, reports the Manchester Evening News. Hundreds of passengers took to social media saying they were either stranded or facing longer routes home.
Norhtern Rail urged people not to travel as a result. Writing on social media platform X, Lisa Jane said: “What’s the advice to the people (including children) currently stranded who live far away from Manchester and can’t get people to pick them up?
“Little communication and no rail replacement. Looking at a taxi £200plus or hotel which is also expensive. Are you going to refund?”
CJ was another passenger impacted by Storm Elin. He said: “This is not a dig at train companies, I really feel for the staff right now and I respect the job they are doing even more.”
The delays came at a time when Manchester was hosting the annual Christmas markets, Manchester United were playing at home, and the Year’s End music festival. The city also held the Chanel show on Thursday.
Explaining why the issue happened, Piccadilly Station posted on X, formerly Twitter, just before 7pm: “Damage to the overhead wires between Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road means services on platforms 13 and 14 are cancelled or revised.
The station advised people to check before they travelled and also apologised for any delays experienced by passengers.
Later, the account added: “Severe disruption is expected to services operated by TransPennine and Northern.
“Engineers are working to fix the damage to the overhead wires as soon as possible. All trains through platforms 13 and 14 will be cancelled or revised during this disruption.”
