A major emergency response unfolded at Ashton-under-Lyne railway station on Thursday afternoon, bringing all train services to a grinding halt and causing widespread disruption across the Greater Manchester network.
Multiple emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulance crews, and specialist response units, descended upon the station following reports of a serious incident. Eyewitnesses described a scene of controlled chaos as paramedics and police officers worked urgently at the location.
Complete Railway Shutdown
All services through Ashton-under-Lyne have been suspended indefinitely, with National Rail confirming that lines are completely blocked in both directions. The unprecedented closure has created a domino effect, disrupting commuter routes throughout the region during peak travel hours.
Northern Rail, which operates most services through the station, has advised passengers to avoid the area entirely. "All lines are currently closed between Stalybridge and Guide Bridge due to an emergency services incident at Ashton-under-Lyne," a spokesperson confirmed.
Passenger Chaos and Alternative Travel
Commuters faced significant disruption as the incident unfolded during Thursday afternoon's rush period. Many passengers were left stranded at the station or onboard stationary trains, with replacement transport options proving limited.
Rail replacement services have been requested but are experiencing delays in implementation due to the scale of the disruption. Passengers are being advised to:
- Seek alternative travel arrangements where possible
- Check with National Rail Enquiries before attempting to travel
- Allow significant additional time for journeys across Greater Manchester
- Monitor operator social media for real-time updates
Ongoing Emergency Response
The nature of the incident prompting such a substantial emergency response remains officially unconfirmed, though unverified reports suggest a medical emergency involving a person on the tracks. Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service have been approached for official comment.
Transport for Greater Manchester has activated its emergency response protocol, coordinating with rail operators to minimise disruption while emergency services manage the situation at the station.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of regional transport networks to unexpected emergencies and the critical role of emergency services in maintaining public safety during railway incidents.
