Brief
Industrial fire at Colthrop Business Park forces train cancellations in West Berkshire
The fire, suspected to involve lithium batteries, led to a limited rail service and a public health warning.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A large fire broke out at the waste management centre in Colthrop Business Park, near Thatcham in West Berkshire, just after 7.30 pm on Monday, prompting Network Rail to set a 150‑metre exclusion zone and suspend all train services between Reading and Bedwyn, the Daily Mail reported.
Emergency crews from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service remained on scene into the night, while residents were advised to keep windows closed and stay indoors due to strong fumes and reports of explosions.
Great Western Railway confirmed that only a very limited replacement service would operate, with full services expected to resume by the following morning.
Key facts
- The fire started at Colthrop Business Park near Thatcham at about 7.30 pm on 28 September 2026. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Network Rail imposed a 150‑metre exclusion zone, suspending all trains between Reading and Bedwyn. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed crews and issued health warnings to local residents. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Great Western Railway offered a limited replacement service, aiming to restore full service by the next morning. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Huge fire erupts on industrial estate and trains cancelled”
