A major incident occurred on the morning of June 25, 2026, when a train collided with a car at a level crossing on Station Road in Hoghton, Lancashire. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, while a child passenger sustained life-threatening injuries.
Emergency Response and Rail Disruption
The collision, reported at approximately 8:50 a.m., triggered a significant emergency response. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) deployed multiple clinical teams, including the Hazardous Area Response Team and two air ambulances. The child was subsequently airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for urgent medical care. Authorities confirmed that no passengers or staff on board the 7:51 a.m. Northern Rail service from Colne to Preston required medical treatment.
In the wake of the incident, Northern Trains suspended services between Preston and Blackburn, implementing bus replacements to manage network disruption. Lancashire Police and the local fire and rescue service have cordoned off the area to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Investigation and Safety Oversight
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has dispatched a team of inspectors to the site to conduct a preliminary examination. According to an RAIB spokesperson, this initial evidence-gathering phase will determine whether a full-scale investigation will be launched in the coming days. Network Rail North West, represented by route director Chris Wright, has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the emergency services and regulatory bodies.
While the investigation into the circumstances of the collision is in its early stages, the incident has once again focused attention on the safety protocols governing level crossings. The BTP has issued a public appeal for any witnesses who have not yet provided statements to come forward by texting 61016, quoting reference 152 of June 25.