MORE than 800 passengers had to be rescued from a train today after a fire drama.

The frightened commuters were led to safety near the Medway Valley Park entertainment complex at Cuxton where they were given shelter at Esporta health and leisure club.

The drama began when sparks and smoke were seen coming from the underside of the 7.07am train from Gillingham which was packed with people travelling to London Victoria.

The train came to a halt soon after leaving Strood station and was waiting on the line for an hour as Connex officials decided what to do.

A Connex spokesman said: “Part of the undercarriage started sparking which in turn caused a small electrical fire on the undercarriage. The passengers were not in danger but it must have been disturbing for them. Although it was only a small fire but we felt we had to get them off the train."

They were later ferried in buses to Gillingham or Dartford where they could restart their journey or head for home.

An Esporta spokesman said: "About 400 to 500 of the passengers came to us and we made them tea and coffee. They were able to get out of the cold by staying with us and they seemed very calm and patient about what had happened."

The Connex spokesman added: “We tried to do all we could for the commuters and we apologise for their awful journey this morning.