Man dies after train crashes into van at crossing in Lancashire

A man has been killed after a train crashed into a van in West Lancashire, police confirmed.

Officers from the British Transport Police were alerted at 3.18pm on Saturday following reports that a train hit a van at a Burscough level crossing.

Only one person was inside the vehicle.

The man inside the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, BTP said.

Two passengers on the train were also treated for minor injuries, according to police.

BTP said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened, any witnesses who haven’t already spoken to police are asked to text BTP on 61016 quoting the reference 373 of 29 August.”

Paramedics and the fire service also attended the incident.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious, BTP added.

In a post on X, Network Rail said trains were suspended between Southport and Manchester as emergency services responded to an incident at Martins Lane level crossing in Burscough.

National Rail said on its website that all lines were closed between Wigan Wallgate and Southport, with disruption expected to continue throughout the rest of Saturday and buses replacing train services.