Overview
- British Transport Police said they were called at 3:18pm on Saturday and a man in the van was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Two passengers on the Northern train received minor treatment and others were described by witnesses as shaken while crews helped evacuate the service.
- All lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport have been blocked and Northern has arranged replacement road transport and lifted ticket restrictions for affected journeys.
- Emergency teams including police, ambulance and fire crews attended the Martins Lane level crossing and images show a badly damaged vehicle and interior train damage.
- The incident is not being treated as suspicious, inquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to text British Transport Police on 61016 quoting reference 373 of 29 August.