A BROKEN down train and power failure sparked chaos for commuters.

The c2c line was blocked between Leigh and Pitsea after a train broke down shortly before 5am yesterday. The problems worsened when, shortly after, an overhead power failure between Barking and London Fenchurch Street meant all trains stopped at Upminster.

To add insult to injury the District Line underground service, which commuters could have used to get from Upminster to central London, was also down due to another power failure.

Julian Drury, c2c managing director, apologised to commuters for the disruption.

He said: “I really am very sorry for the severe disruption to, and cancellation of c2c services.

“This was due to two separate, and unconnected incidents.

“I realise this made for a horrible morning for you and everyone else and I am really very sorry for this.”

Angry commuters said there was a lack of information on the delays available on trains and at stations.

David Burton-Sampson, of Basildon, said: “It was absolute carnage.

“There was no information about what was happening. People were packed into trains like cattle and then there was further chaos on the District Line.

“I was an hour and a half late into work.

"C2c is going to the dogs.”

Stewart Henderson, also from Basildon, added: “There was total confusion as there were no announcements on trains, leaving people making their on theories about what was going on."

Mr Drury said that those who are registered for c2c’s automatic delay repay scheme, which was launched last week, should see compensation in their accounts by the end of tomorrow. Those not registered can still apply for compensation online or at a c2c station.

The blockages on the line, which runs from Shoebury to Fenchurch Street, were cleared shortly after 9am, but disruptions to services remained until around 1pm.

A Network Rail spokesman said:“We are sorry for the delays caused on Wednesday morning due to an obstruction on the power line.

“Our engineers fixed the problem just after 8am and services returned to normal.”

From bad to worse for c2c customers

THE morning meltdown on the c2c line follows months of criticism for the once revered rail operator.

While the issues were the fault of Network Rail, that will not console the commuters who are calling for c2c to revert to its old timetable.

The new schedule came into force on December 13, last year, and has been blamed for overcrowded trains, longer journey times and increased stops at east London stations.

c2c has blamed the overcrowding on an unexpected surge in passengers using its service, especially in the evening rush hour, with figures showing a 5,000 passenger increase at London Fenchurch Street.

The firm has made minor alterations to the controversial timetable, reducing the number of stops at some east London stations and changing the number of carriages for certain trains.

However, bosses have admitted that, due to the unforeseen increase in passengers, their current rolling stock does not have the capacity to adequately cope with the demand.

In January, c2c announced a deal, in principle, to lease carriages from another operator so they could increase capacity until their new trains arrive in 2019.

However, this deal collapsed last month, leaving passengers unsure of when the overcrowding will subside.

A large contingent of passengers have persistently called for c2c to revert to its old timetable, a cause championed by Sir David Amess, Conservative MP for Southend West, however the operator has said this is not a viable option.