A tragic collision between a train and a car at a level crossing in Lancashire has left one person dead and a child in critical condition. Emergency services were called to Station Road in Hoghton at 8:50 AM on 25 June following reports of the incident.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Fire crews, ambulance teams, and officers from British Transport Police and South Ribble Police attended the scene. A British Transport Police spokesperson confirmed: "Two people were in the car and sadly one was pronounced dead at the scene, the other is being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries." No injuries were reported among train passengers.
The North West Ambulance Service deployed several clinical teams, including a hazardous area response team and two air ambulances. A spokesperson said: "Sadly, a child has sustained life-threatening injuries and has been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for further treatment."
Train Service Details and Investigation
The train involved was the 7:51 AM Colne to Preston service operated by Northern. Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, stated: "We are now working to support the emergency services, Network Rail and Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and will co-operate fully with the investigation into what happened." Trains between Preston and Blackburn have been suspended, with bus replacements operating, potentially affecting other Northern services throughout the day.
Witness Appeal and Recent Context
British Transport Police urged witnesses to contact them by texting 61016 quoting reference 152 of 25 June. This incident follows the Bedford train collision less than a week earlier, which killed a 60-year-old train driver and injured dozens. Network Rail reported that the Bedford line would remain closed until 28 June; it is unclear how long the Preston line will be closed.
