A man has died and a child is fighting for life after a train struck a car at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, on Thursday, June 25. The incident occurred at the Station Road level crossing just before 9 a.m.
Details of the Incident
The car was hit by a train, flipping onto the tracks. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A child in the car was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. No injuries were reported among passengers on the train.
Emergency services, including fire crews, ambulance teams, and officers from British Transport Police (BTP) and South Ribble Police, attended the scene. Photos show a green tarpaulin covering the wreckage of the car, with debris scattered nearby.
Official Statements
A BTP spokesperson said: “We are currently on scene at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, following reports at 8.50am today (June 25) that a train had struck a car. Paramedics and the fire service are also in attendance. Two people were in the car and sadly one was pronounced dead the scene, the other is being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. There have been no other injuries reported from passengers on the train at this time.”
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We responded to an incident in the Hoghton area of Lancashire after reports of a collision between a train and a car at 8.50am today (June 25). Several clinical teams attended the scene, including our hazardous area response team and two air ambulances. No passengers travelling on the train required treatment from ambulance crews. Sadly, a child has sustained life-threatening injuries and has been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for further treatment.”
Investigation and Disruption
Enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to text 61016 quoting reference 152 of June 25. South Ribble Police advised motorists to avoid the area.
Train services were disrupted, with Northern stating: “Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident between Preston and Blackburn all lines are blocked. Train services running through these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.” Affected routes include Preston to Colne, Blackpool North, and York. Northern lifted ticket restrictions, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during the disruption.
