A man has died after the van he was driving was struck by a train at a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire. Emergency services were called to the scene near Martin Lane at around 3.20pm on 29 August following reports of a major incident involving a train and another vehicle.
British Transport Police has confirmed the man driving the van was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers on the train received treatment for minor injuries. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Emergency response and eyewitness accounts
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "We were called to a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire following reports at 3:18pm today (29 August) that a train had struck a van. Paramedics and the fire service also attended."
"One person was in the van and sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene. Two people who were passengers on the train received treatment for minor injuries. The incident is not being treated as suspicious."
Images sent to the ECHO show a Northern train stopped abruptly next to green fields, with several ambulances and a fire engine at the scene. Parts of a damaged vehicle can be seen near where the train had stopped.
Passengers describe ordeal
Several people on the train have commented on their experience in posts on social media. One person, commenting on the Ormskirk Live Facebook page, said: "I am still on the train with my kids, we are all shook." She also shared a picture of damage from inside the train, where a door had been pulled off its hinges and debris was visible on the train floor.
Another passenger added: "Everyone on the train is okay we are all just stuck waiting to be evacuated."
Rail disruption and ongoing enquiries
The crash has caused major disruption on the rail network. Northern posted an update saying: "Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident Wigan Wallgate - Southport all lines are blocked. Please note that other train operators may also be affected by disruption – please check your whole journey before travelling."
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened. Any witnesses who have not already spoken to police are asked to text BTP on 61016 quoting reference 373 of 29 August.
