Man dies on railway line after train rams into van on level crossing

A man has been killed after a passenger train smashed into a van at a level crossing.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene in Burscough, Lancashire, following the crash at 3.18pm on Saturday.

The man, thought to be a delivery driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two train passengers were treated for minor injuries.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: ‘We were called to a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire following reports at 3.18pm on 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.

‘Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened, any witnesses who haven’t already spoken to police are asked to text BTP on 61016 quoting the reference 373 of 29 August.’

Train operator Northern said the Wigan Wallgate and Southport route will remain closed throughout Sunday.

Travellers have been warned to expect disruption along this route for the rest of the day.

Posting on X, Northern said: ‘Due to emergency services dealing with an incident between Wigan walk gate and Southport the line is blocked

‘Services running to and from these stations will be delayed or cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.’