A man has died after a train struck a van at a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, prompting a major emergency service response and widespread rail disruption.
British Transport Police said officers were called to the level crossing at approximately 3.18pm on Saturday, 29 August following reports that a train had collided with a van.
Paramedics and fire crews also attended the scene.
Police have confirmed that one person was travelling in the van.
Despite the response of emergency services, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two people who were passengers aboard the train were treated for minor injuries.
The train involved was a Northern service travelling towards Southport.
Local reporting identified the location as the Martins Lane level crossing in Burscough.
Images from the area showed a substantial emergency service presence close to the railway, with police, ambulance and fire service vehicles attending.
Passengers were also helped from the affected train following the collision.
British Transport Police said the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
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The collision caused major disruption to rail services across the area during the busy August Bank Holiday weekend.
All railway lines between Wigan Wallgate and Southport were blocked while emergency services responded to the incident.
Passengers travelling on the route were warned that trains could be cancelled, delayed or revised as a result.
Burscough lies in West Lancashire, approximately 15 miles north-east of Liverpool and between Ormskirk and Southport.
The circumstances that led to the van and train being on the crossing at the same time have not yet been established publicly.
Police have therefore urged people not to speculate about the cause while investigators establish exactly what happened.
British Transport Police says enquiries remain ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Officers are also appealing for witnesses who have not already spoken to police to come forward.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 and quoting reference 373 of 29 August.
Further information is expected as the investigation progresses and railway authorities assess when normal services can fully resume.
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Sources
Sky News – Man Dies After Collision Between Train and Van
Liverpool Echo – Man Dead and Passengers Treated for Injuries as Train Smashes Into Van
About Manchester – Man Dies After Manchester to Southport Train Hits Van at Burscough
