Bedbugs were found in drivers’ cabs on two Southeastern trains on 22 September 2026. The affected trains were immediately removed from service to be cleaned and inspected.
Affected Routes and Depot Location
The affected trains were based at West Marina Depot in Hastings, the terminus for Southeastern trains coming from London. Southeastern operates mainline routes including those passing through Kent, East Sussex, and Greater London, with these trains running via Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks. The infestation was limited to the drivers’ cabs, with no bedbugs found in passenger areas.
Official Statements and Safety Measures
Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, said, “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.” He added, “When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear.” Southeastern stated trains only remain in service while they are returning to a suitable location for inspection and, if necessary, treatment. The company also said that trains and stations are cleaned thoroughly to allow passengers to travel safely and confidently.
Impact on Passenger Services
Multiple Southeastern train services were cancelled following the discovery of bedbugs, causing disruption across the network. On
the two affected trains, carriages were locked to isolate passenger areas from the drivers’ cabs. No High Speed 1 trains operated by Southeastern were affected.
