Trackside fire causes London commuter chaos

LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) A fire in southeast London closed a busy rail line today, forcing the closure of a mainline station, overcrowding and closures on the underground, and chaos for commuters.

London Bridge station was closed after fears gas cylinders could explode in railway arches in Bermondsey.

Fire fighters threw a 200 metre exclusion zone around the workshop where a blaze broke out in the morning.

Even though the fire had been put out, a London Fire Brigade spokesman said the tracks could remain closed overnight if acetylene gas cylinders were found at the workshop.

The cylinders can explode 24 hours or more after being in a fire.

The closure of London Bridge station -- used by thousands of workers in the City of London financial district -- had a knock-on effect elsewhere, with Victoria underground station temporarily shutting because of overcrowding.

Rail services were also affected at Cannon Street, Charing Cross and Waterloo East.

REUTERS SLD BST2312