A gas leak near Didcot East struck a gas main around 9pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, leading to the immediate closure of all train services between Didcot Parkway and Reading. The disruption includes a safety exclusion zone encompassing the railway line, preventing normal operations.
Train services connecting Oxford, Didcot Parkway, and Reading have been canceled until at least the end of Wednesday, September 23. Both Great Western Railway (GWR) and CrossCountry advised passengers not to travel on affected routes during this period due to the ongoing danger and service suspensions.
Replacement Transport and Ticketing Arrangements
CrossCountry is operating two replacement coaches hourly at 20
minutes past each hour between Oxford and Reading in both directions. Additionally, a limited bus replacement service runs between Reading, Swindon, and Didcot to mitigate disruptions.
Passengers holding valid tickets for travel on Wednesday, September 23, may use them on Thursday, September 24, without needing amendments. GWR tickets are accepted on other rail operators’ services during this disruption with no extra charges.
Official Statements and Safety Measures
Great Western Railway Managing Director Mark Hopwood apologized to customers affected by the gas leak. He confirmed the safety cordon includes the railway, and that train services will be impacted on Wednesday as gas engineers from SGN work
to secure the area and repair the leak.
An SGN spokesperson explained that establishing an exclusion zone around the incident was necessary for safety while repairs proceed. Network Rail media advised passengers to avoid travel between Reading and Swindon, citing major disruption from the gas leak.
Services Operating and Passenger Support
Services remain operational between Reading and London Paddington, Swindon and Cheltenham Spa, Swindon and Chippenham/Bath/Bristol, South Wales and Bristol Temple Meads, Worcester and Oxford, and Oxford and Didcot. Additionally, hourly services run between London Paddington and Bath/Bristol via a diversion and between Bristol Temple Meads and Didcot.
Passengers experiencing delays over 15 minutes can
claim compensation through GWR’s Delay Repay scheme. Station and train staff have been assigned to assist passengers in finding alternative travel routes and updating them as the situation evolves.
