West Coast Mainline Key Section Closed Following Fatal Incident
A key section of the West Coast Mainline is currently closed following a tragic incident near Stoke-on-Trent. This closure affects vital rail services, resulting in significant travel disruptions.
Fatal Incident at Longport Station
On January 16, 2026, British Transport Police (BTP) reported a fatality on the tracks near Longport railway station in Stoke-on-Trent. Emergency services were called around 11:10 AM after reports of a casualty on the tracks.
Upon arrival, officers and paramedics discovered a person who was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Service Disruptions
The incident has led to the closure of the railway line between Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent. National Rail has issued warnings about delays, cancellations, and significant disruptions expected until at least 4 PM.
Affected Routes
- Avanti West Coast services between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston
- CrossCountry routes to Bristol Temple Meads, Bournemouth, and Paignton
- East Midlands Railway between Crewe and Lincoln
- London Northwestern Railway between Crewe and Stafford
- Northern services between Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke-on-Trent
Passengers on Avanti West Coast have been informed that their tickets can be utilized at no additional cost on other services. These options include:
- CrossCountry services via any reasonable route
- East Midlands Railway services via any reasonable route
- Northern services between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe
- Transport for Wales services between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe
This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of safety on the railways. Travelers are advised to check for service updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
