Southeastern railway cancelled multiple train services on 22 September 2026 after drivers discovered bedbugs in the cabs of two trains. The affected trains were immediately removed from service to prevent further spread while undergoing inspection and treatment.
Routes and Locations Affected
The two trains with infestations were based at West Marina Depot in Hastings, the terminus for routes running from London. Services along routes passing through Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks in Kent, East Sussex, and Greater London experienced cancellations or suspensions.
Official Response and Cleaning Measures
A Southeastern spokesperson confirmed that trains and stations receive thorough cleaning to maintain passenger safety. The carrier emphasized that trains remained operational
only as they returned to appropriate locations for evaluation and potential pest treatment.
Oly Turner, Southeastern’s head of drivers, said: “When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear.”
Containment of Infestation
The infestation was limited to the drivers’ cabs in just two trains, with no bedbugs found in passenger compartments. Carriages were locked off to isolate passenger areas from affected driver cabs while pest control actions were initiated.
Turner added that cooperation with train drivers helped contain the issue, stating, “Cases have been contained to the drivers’ cabs
in only two of our trains and no bed bugs have been identified in areas for passengers.”
