Bedbugs disrupt train services in Britain, forcing cancellations

Southeastern, a railway company operating passenger services between London and Kent in the United Kingdom, has been dealing with a bedbug infestation.

TodayPress TV reports, citing The Daily Telegraph, that bedbugs were discovered on trains stored at the West Marina depot near Hastings.

Drivers refused to operate some trains after spotting the insects at their workplaces and on their personal belongings.

The incident, which occurred on September 22, resulted in the cancellation of two services. One driver reportedly requested a special protective suit to guard against the insects, but was told that none was available.

The situation became even more unusual when a train on which bedbugs had been discovered continued carrying passengers. The newspaper dubbed it the “bedbug express.”

According to the report, dispatchers, unaware of the problem, allowed the train to enter service. However, the bedbugs were reportedly found in the driver’s cab rather than in passenger carriages.

Pest control measures are currently underway at the depot. Experts say that completely eliminating bedbugs is a lengthy and costly process.

Turkan Iskandarli