Elmstead Wood: Screaming passengers tried to smash their way out of an early-morning train they thought had caught fire.

Many of the 1,000 commuters on the 8.18am Sevenoaks-to-Cannon Street service feared the worst when smoke started to fill their carriages at Elmstead Wood.

With no announcement from the driver, the panicking passengers waited until the train was near New Cross station before pressing the emergency stop button.

The train stopped at the station, but it took more than two minutes for the doors on the station side to open and some of the screaming and crying commuters tried to break the windows.

An investigation by train operator Connex South Eastern has shown its brakes had locked, causing the smoke in the carriages.

Furious rail passengers have criticised Connex for not announcing what was happening during the incident on Wednesday, August 1, and for offering no apology.

Among the passengers was IT manager Claire Laycock, aged 27, of Spring Gardens, Chelsfield, who said: “I first smelt something in the Elmstead Wood tunnel. The smoke became thick and black. It burnt the back of your throat as you breathed it in.

“There was no announcement from the driver saying what was happening.”

Describing the scene at New Cross station, Miss Laycock said: “It seemed like an eternity before the doors opened. People were getting very panicky, crying and one man managed to smash the window in a door to try to get out.

“I tried to calm people down. I have never had such a feeling of complete fear.”

Also on the train was former deputy leader of Bromley Council, Gill Andrew, of Elmstead Wood.

The 39-year-old city lawyer said: “When we finally got out we were left standing next to the train without being told what we were to do. We were never asked whether we were okay or whether anyone needed medical attention.

“I am no soft cookie but when I finally got to my office I broke down.”

Orpington MP John Horam, who recently brought up the issue of safety on Connex South Eastern trains in Parliament, said: “I am still very worried about safety. Some people are working hard to improve the situation but there are still serious problems.”

A spokesman for Connex said: “Passengers were released quickly through the front half of the train.

“The fire brigade arrived quickly and the situation was dealt with.”