West Drayton train fire passenger describes terror

Ms Morris, who was in the first carriage, told of her frightening ordeal, before emergency fire crews arrived to battle the blaze.

She said: "A bell started to ring and then I saw the smoke, but no announcements were made.

"The smoke became steadily thicker and more acrid, and it was impossible to open the doors.

"This was extremely frightening. I suggested that we should try to break the glass, but eventually a door was opened further down the train.

"Presumably someone had found an emergency button. We then had to jump about five feet on to the pile of stones by the track.

"I was wearing heels and expected to break or sprain an ankle, but happily escaped injury."

Even when off the train, for the passengers the chaos did not end there, with the disruption seriously affecting their day, and leaving her out of pocket.

"No one seemed to be in charge of things. After a while, half a dozen or so of us walked along the track to West Drayton station, which took at least half an hour.

"All train services had been cancelled because of the fire. I telephoned for a minicab from the nearest pub and, for a mere £115, was conveyed to Oxford, arriving an hour late for my appointment."

"I really believed I would die on that train."

Were you also on board the train? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk