Train hits vehicle in West Lancashire, blocking lines between Wigan and Southport

The incident occurred near Martin Lane in Burscough, West Lancashire, close to its junction with Whitehouse Lane, with images showing a damaged vehicle near the stopped Northern train.
Paramedics and fire crews surrounded the train as part of a major emergency response, with authorities treating the scene as a major incident.
All lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport were blocked, and Northern noted that other train operators may be affected; ticket restrictions (including Advance and Peak) were temporarily lifted during the disruption and would be reinstated after it ends.
Passengers were evacuated or awaiting evacuation, with reports from onlookers indicating that at least some passengers were okay as emergency services worked to secure the scene.
A train struck a vehicle near Burscough in West Lancashire on Thursday afternoon, blocking rail lines and triggering a major emergency response. DevonLive reported that the Northern service came to a halt close to Martin Lane at approximately 3:30pm, with multiple ambulances and a fire engine dispatched to the scene. Passengers were evacuated or awaiting evacuation as authorities secured the area.
All lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport were shut down due to the incident. Northern confirmed the disruption and temporarily lifted ticket restrictions in the affected area, including Advance and Peak fares, which would be reinstated once services resumed. No official confirmation of injuries has been released as emergency responders continue managing the scene.
Paramedics and fire crews surrounded the stopped train near Martin Lane as part of a major incident response. Nottingham Post confirmed that multiple ambulances and a fire engine arrived at the scene around 3:30pm. Images from the location showed a damaged vehicle positioned close to the halted Northern train beside green fields, with emergency personnel working to assess the situation.
Authorities treated the collision as a major incident requiring immediate attention. Leicester Mercury reported that passengers remained stuck on the train as responders secured the area. Onlookers indicated that at least some passengers appeared to be unharmed, though official injury reports had not been released.
The collision forced a complete shutdown of rail lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport. Examiner Live noted that the incident occurred around 3:30pm, disrupting a major commuter corridor. Northern confirmed that other train operators serving the region may also face service interruptions as a result of the blocked tracks.
Northern suspended normal ticket restrictions across the affected service area as passengers faced evacuation delays. Advance fares and Peak fares were temporarily removed to help customers rebook their journeys. The operator confirmed that standard restrictions would be reinstated once normal service resumed and the major incident was resolved.
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