Train ‘hits vehicle’ as ‘shaken’ passengers forced to evacuate with multiple ambulance & fire crews at the scene

Leeds: Arriva Northern Rail class 150 Sprinter train at Leeds Station in the UK. Leeds railway station was used by 28.8 million annual passengers in 2014/15. Credit: Getty A MAN has died after a train smashed into a van on the tracks as “shaken” passengers are forced to evacuate. Emergency services descended on a level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, earlier this afternoon following reports a train had struck a van. A train has ‘hit a vehicle’ as passengers are forced to evacuate with emergency services at the scene in West Lancashire British Transport Police said one person was in the van and, despite the best efforts of paramedics, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The force added that two people who were passengers on the train received treatment for minor injuries. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The incident is not being treated as suspicious. Images circulating online showing a train at a stop next to a field while another taken from inside a carriage appears to show damage to the train. One passenger commenting on social media said: “Everyone on the train is okay we are all just stuck waiting to be evacuated.” “Yeah I’m still on the train with my kids we are all shook,” another added. A third said someone they knew was onboard the train affected, saying they were “all shook up”. Northern said in a statement on X: “Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident Wigan Wallgate – Southport all lines are blocked. Most read in The Sun “Please note that other train operators may also be affected by disruption – please check your whole journey before travelling. “Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption. “Restrictions will be reinstated once the disruption ends.” A spokesperson for Manchester Piccadilly posted: “Train services are currently suspended between Southport and Manchester while emergency services respond to an incident at Martins Lane level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire. “We are working closely with our colleagues at Northern in assisting th @BTP carry out their investigations.” Passengers have been urged to plan ahead before they travel amid the disruption. The Sun has contacted British Transport Police for comment. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.