Overview
- A Northern train reportedly hit a vehicle near Martin Lane close to its junction with Whitehouse Lane in Burscough, with the incident occurring at about 3:30pm on Saturday.
- Several ambulances and a fire engine attended and staff declared a major incident as the train came to an abrupt stop beside fields.
- Passengers on board said they were shaken and temporarily held on the train while crews worked to evacuate them safely.
- Photographs from the scene show a badly damaged vehicle close to the tracks and interior train damage including a door pulled from its hinges.
- Northern has blocked all lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport, lifted ticket restrictions, and is running replacement buses and permitting travel on alternative operators while police and emergency services investigate; no official confirmation of injuries has been released.