Lightning strike prompts warning to rail passengers between Norwich and Ely to check before travelling

Rail passengers travelling between Norwich and Ely are advised to check before they travel today (Friday, July 7) after signalling equipment was damaged by lightning.

Greater Anglia is running an hourly service between Norwich and Ely, but passengers for Cambridge are advised to travel via Stowmarket.

Network Rail engineers are currently working to fix equipment damaged by the electrical storm and the service is expected to return to normal from 7pm.

When lightning strikes a rail, the high voltage can damage sensitive electronic signalling equipment. As the signalling system fails safe when a component is damaged, all signals in the area turn red and trains must stop.

READ MORE: Norwich to Ely trains still suspended after lightning strikes Attleborough signalling systemSimon Ancona, Network Rail's chief operating officer for Anglia, said: 'During an intense electrical storm on Thursday, lightning damaged signalling equipment on the railway between Norwich and Ely. We are replacing the damaged parts as quickly as possible and in the meantime we've opened the line with manual signalling in place so that some services can run. We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause and ask that passengers check before they travel.'

READ MORE: Pupils evacuated from class after suspected lightning strike at Wymondham's Robert Kett Junior SchoolA Greater Anglia spokesperson said: 'We apologise to passengers who have been affected by the disruption on our network. Owing to signalling equipment being struck by lightning, trains have to run at a reduced speed between Norwich and Ely. Passengers for Cambridge can travel via Stowmarket. All passengers are advised to check before they travel.'

-Customers who were affected by the disruption can claim compensation at www.greateranglia.co.uk/about-us/our-performance/delay-repay.

-Passengers can check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.greateranglia.co.uk