'Bedbug express' train ran twice last week as drivers 'refuse to board without hazmat suit'

'Bedbug express' train ran twice last week as drivers 'refuse to board without hazmat suit' Train services have been cancelled after a driver reportedly refused to get behind the controls without a hazmat suit - while another 'bedbug express' did run with locked carriages A bedbug infestation has hit trains across the south of England and London, according to reports. Bedbugs have reportedly been found in Southeastern train carriages and drivers’ cabs — one refusing to get behind the controls unless he was given a full hazmat suit to protect himself from the pests. When none could be found, two services were cancelled, according to The Telegraph . Another train, nicknamed the ‘bedbug express’ by staff, ran with two carriages locked to prevent the spread of the critters. It did several journeys between London and Kent on Tuesday (September 29). However, Southeastern has rubbished suggestions the problem has spread to passenger carriages. “We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents,” Oly Turner, the train company’s head of drivers, said. “When we receive reports such as these, we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear. Cases have been contained to the drivers cabs in only two of our trains and no bed bugs have been identified in areas for passengers. “We continually carry out robust cleaning across our trains and stations, ensuring our customers and employees can travel safely and with confidence.” The company also said it had not found any bedbugs on any of the high speed trains it runs from London St Pancras into Kent. The outbreak has been traced to the West Marina depot, where pest control were pictured recently. Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. According to NHS advice, they can bite humans — but other than causing an itch, their bites do not usually cause health problems. If bedbugs are found in bedding, it all must be washed on a high heat — at least 60C — and dried on a high heat for an extended period to kill the bugs and their eggs. They can also live in carpet and skirting boards, which require pest control treatment. Southeastern has been contacted for comment.