Tue. Sep 17th, 2024
alert-–-london’s-oxford-circus-tube-station-is-evacuated-during-morning-rush-hour-as-firefighters-rush-to-deal-with-overheated-escalatorAlert – London’s Oxford Circus tube station is evacuated during morning rush hour as firefighters rush to deal with overheated escalator

Oxford Circus station has been closed due to a fire alert.

The station, on the Central Line, has been evacuated during the morning rush hour.

Emergency services were called at 8.09am after reports of a smell of smoke.

However, firefighters found that the smell of smoke was caused by an escalator which had overheated.

Around 15 firefighters and three fire engines were called to the scene and the incident was over by 9.00am.

Emergency services were called at 8.09am after reports of a smell of smoke (stock image)

Emergency services were called at 8.09am after reports of a smell of smoke (stock image)

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Fire crews were called to reports of the smell of smoke at Oxford Circus Underground station this morning. 

‘Firefighters found a light smell of smoke was caused by an escalator which had overheated. 

‘Around 15 firefighters and three fire engines were in attendance. 

‘The Brigade was called at 8.09am and the incident was over by 9.00am. 

‘Fire crews from Soho and Paddington fire stations were at the scene.’ 

Screengrab of video taken of incident

Another screengrab taken of the incident

Footage taken from a commuter during the evacuation of the station

A Transport for London spokesperson said: ‘The station was closed shortly after 8am due to a fire alert but has re-opened now – it re-opened shortly before 9am.’ 

The station remains closed and the incident has caused delays on the Underground.

There are minor delays on the Bakerloo line, minor delays on the Central line and severe delays on the Victoria line.

Valid tickets are being accepted on London busses.

Oxford Circus is the eighth busiest Tube station in London and is located in the West End.

TfL data in 2023 revealed 4.1million passengers use the station annually.

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