Newcastle United supporters heading to London for their team’s clash with West Ham were hit with an unexpected setback after a tragic incident at Huntingdon on Saturday night.
Train company LNER issued an urgent “Do not travel” message in the early hours of Sunday morning, warning fans and other passengers to avoid using East Coast Main Line services due to severe disruption following the horrific event.
The announcement came just after 2:30 a.m., with LNER confirming that multiple services might be cancelled, delayed, or significantly altered throughout Sunday.
Passengers were urged to avoid travelling if at all possible and to check live updates regularly if their journey was unavoidable. The railway operator also stated that tickets purchased for Sunday would remain valid for travel until Tuesday, November 4, to allow flexibility for those affected.
In a heartfelt statement, David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying that the company was “deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident,” extending his thoughts to everyone involved.
He praised the emergency services for their swift and professional response, acknowledging the care provided to those injured and urging anyone with relevant information to contact the British Transport Police.
Horne emphasized that LNER’s primary concern remains the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and staff, assuring that the company will do everything possible to support those impacted during this difficult time.
He also advised that disruptions could continue throughout the day as investigations and recovery efforts proceed.
The devastating incident occurred on the 18:25 service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, one of the busiest evening trains on the East Coast route. Details of what exactly transpired have not been fully disclosed, but early reports indicate a serious situation that led to emergency services being called to the scene late on Saturday night.
Passengers on nearby services described major delays, cancelled routes, and significant confusion as trains were held in various locations while emergency crews responded.
As a result, LNER services between the North East and London faced severe disruption. Newcastle United fans, many of whom had planned early travel to attend the Premier League fixture in the capital, were left stranded or forced to make last-minute changes to their plans.
Some supporters took to social media in the early hours to share their frustration and concern, while many expressed sympathy for those directly affected by the tragic circumstances.
The club’s fanbase, known for their passionate following both home and away, had been expected to travel in large numbers for the game against West Ham. The “Do not travel” message from LNER meant that many supporters had to seek alternative transport options or postpone their journeys entirely.
Despite the disruption, several fan groups urged patience and compassion, reminding fellow supporters that the situation was far bigger than football and that the focus should remain on those who suffered from the incident.
By Sunday morning, LNER continued to warn that all services could experience delays and last-minute changes while police investigations and operational checks continued.
Travellers were advised to keep checking LNER’s website and social media pages for real-time updates before setting out. The company reiterated its apology to passengers and assured them that safety remained its top priority.
Local authorities and the British Transport Police are conducting a full investigation into the incident, with further updates expected once more details are confirmed.
The rail operator has pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities and provide assistance to any passengers affected by the tragedy.
The thoughts of the wider football community, including Newcastle United fans and officials, remain with everyone impacted by the heartbreaking events at Huntingdon.
As supporters prepare to resume travel in the coming days, the overriding message from both LNER and the football world is one of empathy, patience, and understanding recognizing that some moments transcend sport entirely.
