Merseyrail’s Southport line has been suspended following an incident where a person was hit by a train near Birkdale. The incident occurred on the morning of 26 June 2024, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. British Transport Police confirmed that officers were called to the scene at around 9:30 AM.
Service Suspension and Diversions
Merseyrail announced that no trains are running between Hall Road and Southport, with services terminating at Hall Road. Replacement bus services have been arranged to cover the affected stretch. Passengers are advised to seek alternative routes or use the bus replacements, which are operating between Hall Road and Southport.
National Rail Enquiries stated that disruption is expected until at least 1:00 PM, though this may be extended depending on the ongoing investigation. Travelers are urged to check their journey before setting out, as the incident is likely to cause knock-on delays across the Merseyrail network.
Emergency Services on Scene
British Transport Police officers are at the scene alongside paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “We were called to the line near Birkdale at 9:32 AM following reports of a person being struck by a train. Emergency services are in attendance, and the incident is being treated as not suspicious.”
The person’s condition has not been disclosed, but the nature of the incident suggests serious injuries. Investigations into the circumstances are underway.
Impact on Commuters
The closure has caused significant disruption for commuters on the Southport line, one of Merseyrail’s busiest routes. Many passengers took to social media to express frustration, with some reporting delays of over an hour. Merseyrail has advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and to listen for station announcements.
For those traveling to or from Southport, the bus replacement service is running non-stop between Hall Road and Southport, with additional stops at Hillside and Birkdale on request. Tickets are being accepted on other local transport services, including Arriva buses along the route.
Previous Incidents on the Line
This is not the first time the Southport line has faced such disruption. In March 2024, a similar incident near Formby caused hours of delays. The repeated nature of these events raises questions about safety measures along the line, though Merseyrail has emphasized that each incident is thoroughly investigated.
Merseyrail has not yet commented on whether additional safety measures will be implemented. The line remains closed as of late morning, with updates expected throughout the day.
