Thatcham Fire: Explosions Reported at Colthrop Business Park as Trains Halted

A major fire at Colthrop Business Park near Thatcham, West Berkshire, has closed the railway between Reading and Newbury, with residents reporting loud explosions and emergency crews tackling the blaze.

The fire broke out at around 8pm on Monday, September 28, close to the railway. National Rail said all lines through Thatcham were closed, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

Residents reported hearing loud bangs from the industrial estate as flames and thick smoke rose above the area.

Reading–Newbury Trains Suspended

Great Western Railway said a signalling control room serving the Newbury area had been evacuated because of the nearby fire.

Services between Reading and Newbury were suspended, while the operator also said trains between Newbury and Bedwyn could not run for the remainder of the evening.

Longer-distance services between London Paddington and the West Country were being diverted, increasing journey times.

GWR said replacement road transport was operating between Reading, Newbury, Kintbury, Hungerford and Bedwyn. Passengers should check their journeys before travelling and allow additional time.

Fire Crews Expected to Remain at Colthrop Lane

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had received numerous calls about the incident and confirmed crews were at the scene.

In a statement issued at 10.15pm, the service thanked the public for their patience and said emergency services were likely to remain in the area for some time.

The cause of the fire and whether anyone had been injured had not been confirmed in the available updates.