Person hit by train near Whitstable causes rail lines to be closed

Emergency services were called to a late-night incident in Kent after a person was struck by a train, leading to widespread disruption on the coastal route.

Rail services between Faversham railway station and Ramsgate railway station were cancelled following reports of the incident near Whitstable shortly before 10pm.

Witnesses reported a significant emergency response in the Ham Shades Lane area, where a road crosses over the railway line, with police and ambulance crews attending the scene.

Southeastern confirmed the disruption was caused by a person being hit by a train between Whitstable and Sittingbourne, with services via Faversham heavily impacted.

Southeastern said:

"Because of a person being hit by a train between Whitsable and Sittingbourne trains via Faversham will be subject to delays, cancellations and alterations until further notice."

To support passengers during the disruption, replacement bus services were put in place between Faversham and Ramsgate while the line remained closed.

The railway later reopened at around 1.40am, with Southeastern confirming that services were running as normal the following morning.

Image: Southeastern