Alarm clocks have been belting all morning for V/Line station staff after a Bacchus Marsh worker was very late in for the 5am train, consequently sending the Ballarat line into a spiral of late trains.

The 5am service from Bacchus Marsh to Southern Cross was delayed for almost an hour as V/Line were left “awaiting staff”.

It’s unknown if the delay was a result of a faulty alarm clock, or if it was just too hard to get out of bed in what has been a very frosty morning.

A V/Line spokesperson said the delays were “due to crew being out of position this morning”.

Chaos has ensued, with four other morning services on the Ballarat line delayed due to late trains and track congestion.

Services returned to normal from 11am.