A person has tragically died after being struck by a train at Shotton railway station in North Wales on Monday, June 8. The incident occurred shortly after 11:08 AM, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that paramedics attended the scene, but the individual was pronounced dead at the site. The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Disruption to Rail Services
The collision caused significant disruption to rail services across North Wales and the northwest of England. National Rail reported that lines between Prestatyn and Chester were closed to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely. This closure affected multiple Transport for Wales routes, including services between Cardiff Central/Holyhead and Manchester Airport, Llandudno and Liverpool Lime Street, and Llandudno Junction and Birmingham International. Avanti West Coast services between Holyhead and London Euston were also impacted.
Service Recovery and Delays
While the railway lines reopened later in the afternoon, passengers continued to face cancellations, delays of up to 60 minutes, and revised schedules as services worked to recover. Disruption was expected to last until approximately 5:00 PM. Transport for Wales advised that trains could still be affected and urged passengers to check for updates.
Alternative Travel Arrangements
Transport for Wales implemented a range of alternative travel options for affected passengers. Tickets were accepted on alternative Transport for Wales services, as well as Northern trains between Chester and Manchester Piccadilly, and Avanti West Coast services between Chester and Crewe. Limited road transport, provided by Pat's Coaches and Llew Jones, operated between Chester and Llandudno Junction until 3:00 PM. Additionally, local bus services, including Arriva Bus Wales routes 13, 11C, 11F, and 11, were available for passengers to complete their journeys at no extra cost.
Compensation Information
Passengers who experienced delays may be entitled to compensation. National Rail advised travelers to keep their train tickets and make a note of their journey details to support any claims. Those who decided to abandon their travel plans due to the disruption could request a full refund from the point of purchase.
British Transport Police Statement
A BTP spokesperson stated: "Officers were called to Shotton railway station at 11:08 AM today following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner." Transport for Wales expressed apologies for the disruption caused and confirmed that services gradually returned to normal later in the evening.
