A train struck a car at a level crossing in Hoghton at about 08:50 BST on 8 August 2024, killing one person and leaving a child with life-threatening injuries. British Transport Police said two people were in the car, and the child was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
The collision involved the 7.51am Colne to Preston service, according to Tricia Williams, the managing director of Northern. She said Northern was supporting the emergency services, Network Rail and Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and would co-operate fully with the investigation into what happened.
Station Road in Hoghton
British Transport Police said one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other person in the car was being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. No passengers or staff on the train needed treatment, despite the seriousness of the crash at Station Road in Hoghton, near Preston in Lancashire.
Williams said: "We can confirm the 7.51am Colne to Preston service was involved in a collision with a car at a level crossing in Hoghton this morning." She added: "Our thoughts are with the person who sadly died in the collision and the other passenger in the car who has been taken to hospital."
Preston and Blackburn cancellations
Northern said services running through Preston and Blackburn were cancelled after the crash. North West Ambulance Service said several clinical teams attended the scene, along with the hazardous area response team and two air ambulances. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services said four fire engines and specialist appliances were in attendance.
British Transport Police said enquiries to establish the full circumstances were continuing, and anyone who witnessed what happened was asked to contact police. For passengers, the immediate impact was a shut-down across affected rail services, while investigators and emergency crews worked around the crossing and train route.
