A devastating crash on a train line in East Lancashire has left a person dead, prompting the closure of the railway for at least seven days. The incident occurred late on Tuesday evening near Darwen, causing immediate disruption to services between Blackburn and Manchester Victoria.
British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, which was confirmed by paramedics after they attended the scene. Emergency responders were present but sadly unable to save the individual. The line will remain closed until the BTP investigation is complete and any necessary track repairs or safety assessments have been carried out.
Northern Rail has confirmed that services will be suspended for at least a week, affecting thousands of passengers who rely on this busy route. Replacement bus services are being arranged to cover parts of the affected line, but these are expected to add significant time to journeys. The cause of the incident remains unexplained and is currently under investigation.
Stations along the closed section, including Darwen, Bromley Cross, Bolton, and Manchester Victoria, will be impacted by the disruption. Passengers are urged to check before they travel and make alternative arrangements if possible, consulting the National Rail Enquiries website or Northern Rail's social media channels for updates.
Those planning to use affected services are strongly advised to plan ahead, with considerable delays expected on replacement bus routes. The BTP will continue their investigation, but the exact cause of the incident may take some time to establish.