Fatal Collision at Hoghton Level Crossing
One person was killed and a child is fighting for life after a train collided with a car at a level crossing in Lancashire. Emergency services were called at approximately 8:50 AM on June 25 following reports that a Northern train from Colne to Preston had struck a car at Hoghton level crossing, located about five miles from Preston.
The child, whose age has not been disclosed, was rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other occupant of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. No passengers or staff on the train were injured.
Official Responses and Investigation
Tricia Williams, Northern’s managing director, expressed deep sadness over the incident. “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s incident involving the 7.51am Colne to Preston service. 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,” she said. Williams confirmed that Northern is cooperating fully with the emergency services, Network Rail, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
British Transport Police stated: “We are currently on scene at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, following reports at 8.50am today (June 25) that a train had struck a car. Paramedics and the fire service are also in attendance. Two people were in the car and sadly one was pronounced dead at the scene, the other is being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. There have been no other injuries reported from passengers on the train at this time.”
Service Disruption and Public Advisory
Trains between Preston and Blackburn have been suspended. Several ambulances and air ambulances were dispatched to the rural scene. Authorities urge the public to avoid Station Road while the investigation is ongoing and the crossing remains closed.
A spokesperson for the RAIB said: “The RAIB has sent a team of inspectors to Hoghton near Preston to the site of a collision between a car and a passenger train at a level crossing. Our inspectors will gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a preliminary examination and a decision on whether or not an investigation will be launched will be taken in the coming days.”
