One person died and a child is fighting for life after a train struck a car at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, on the morning of June 25. Emergency services were called at approximately 8:50 am to reports of a collision between a Northern train and a vehicle on Station Road.
Fatal collision at Hoghton level crossing
The incident involved the 7:51 am Northern service from Colne to Preston. Two people were in the car: one was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other—a child whose age has not been disclosed—was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. No passengers or staff on the train were injured.
British Transport Police confirmed: '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 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.'
Response and investigation underway
Tricia Williams, Northern’s managing director, said: '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. There have been no other injuries reported from passengers or staff who were on the train. We are now working to support the emergency services, Network Rail and Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and will co-operate fully with the investigation into what happened.'
Multiple ambulances and air ambulances were dispatched to the scene, located in rural Lancashire about five miles from Preston. The nearest railway station is Pleasington, also served by Northern trains. Trains between Preston and Blackburn have been suspended, and the level crossing on Station Road remains closed while investigations proceed. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area.
