Overview
- A train struck a van at the Martin Lane level crossing in Burscough on Saturday, killing the man driving the van and leaving two train passengers with minor injuries.
- British Transport Police said they were called at 15:18 and that the incident is not being treated as suspicious as inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.
- Passengers described the impact as violent, reported interior damage such as a door torn from its hinges, and were held on the train before being evacuated by emergency crews.
- Northern blocked all lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport, lifted ticket restrictions, and arranged replacement road transport with buses and alternative acceptance on local services, with journeys likely to take longer.
- Police asked anyone with information who has not yet spoken to them to text BTP on 61016 quoting reference 373 of 29 August as investigators and emergency services remain at the scene.