MAN DIES AFTER TRAIN STRIKES VAN AT LEVEL CROSSING IN LANCASHIRE

A man died after a train struck a van at a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, on Saturday afternoon. British Transport Police (BTP) stated they received reports of the collision at 15:18 BST. The man who was in the van died at the scene. Two passengers aboard the Wigan Wallgate to Southport train sustained minor injuries.

A large emergency services operation was deployed to the crossing and surrounding farmland, with police, fire and ambulance crews attending. Passengers were assisted from the train by emergency services personnel. Train operator Northern reported that all lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport were blocked, causing major disruption to services. BTP said enquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

The collision at the level crossing resulted in significant disruption to rail services in the region. Northern stated that major delays and cancellations would affect journeys between the two stations whilst the incident was being dealt with and investigated. BTP has not yet released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the van being on the crossing at the time of the collision.