UK: Heathrow Express Trains Recalled Over Safety Fears

Image courtesy of Siemens

Heathrow Express have withdrawn their fleet of Class 332 trains following the discovery of a structural fault in the underframe by Siemens during routine maintenance checks. The fault, described by a Heathrow Connect spokesperson as “passable”, is reported to the BBC by train drivers’ union ASLEF as a “crack in the underframe”.

A replacement fleet of Class 360 Desiro trains, from the slower Heathrow Connect service, have replaced their faster counterparts on the route while the fleet is examined and repaired. The Heathrow Connect service will be suspended until the 332s are cleared to resume operating.

A statement issued by Heathrow Express said:

“As a result of a routine maintenance check by Siemens, a technical issue has been identified which has resulted in the majority of the Heathrow Express trains being taken out of service as a safety precaution. The trains have now been recalled as a precaution. Over the coming days each train will be thoroughly inspected by a specialist team at the Old Oak Common depot, to provide assurance.”