Train services were suspended on the main line between Bristol and Devon after a person was hit by a train just south of Taunton. All trains on the line were stopped, causing widespread disruption for passengers.
GWR and CrossCountry operate services on the line, and GWR warned passengers that they may have to cancel planned travel or face long delays because of the incident. National Rail confirmed just after 1am that services were running as normal again.
A statement said: "Services can now run as normal between Taunton and Exeter St Davids following the emergency services dealing with an earlier incident between these stations."
CrossCountry issued a statement to customers. It reads: "If you arrange your own taxi in order to complete your journey, you can claim the cost back through the CrossCountry Customer Relations team on production of a receipt and train ticket.
"Your ticket can be used at no extra cost on the two CrossCountry services operating before and after your cancelled service. Once trains are able to move, you can also use your ticket on Great Western Railway services between Taunton and Plymouth (in both directions).
"If you decide to travel from a different station due to this disruption and need to return to that station later, you will also be able to use your existing ticket to do this at no extra cost.
"Unfortunately, any seat reservations will not be carried over to another train, but Coach B, H and L are the unreserved coaches on CrossCountry services (where available) so please head to them."
National Rail issued an update stating that the major disruption was expected to last until 1am. As a result of the incident, trains on the affected routes may be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised. The major disruption was expected until the end of the day.
GWR confirmed that they were unable to provide rail replacements. A statement reads: "Due to a shortage of available rail replacement transport, Great Western Railway have been unable to source sufficient vehicles to accommodate all affected passengers.
"If possible, please make your own travel arrangements (including booking taxis or accommodation where necessary) in order to complete your journey. Please ensure you retain all receipts and proof of payment for any reasonable additional costs incurred to support any claim."
A spokesperson for Network Rail said they expected major disruption until at least 11pm that evening. "The emergency services are currently dealing with an incident between Taunton and Exeter St Davids. So that they can safely carry out their work, all lines are closed," they said.
"As a result, trains between these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 70 minutes. Major disruption is expected until 23:00."
GWR warned passengers trying to travel between Taunton and Exeter St Davids that the line was blocked completely and could be for some time. "A person has been struck by a train, leading to all lines being blocked. It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop. If you are onboard one of the services in this incident and have been affected by this incident or know someone else who needs support, there is always someone to talk to. Contact a Samaritan on 116 123 for free, any time, on any phone. Help is only a phone call away," a GWR spokesperson said.
Services Resume After Person Is Hit by Train Near Taunton