Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle’s statement on Hoghton level crossing crash

A person has died following a collision between a car and a train shortly before 9am today, June 25.

Two people were in the car at the time of the crash.

One was pronounced dead at the scene, and a child has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Lindsay Hoyle, Chorley MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, said he is in contact with the Minister of State for Rail and Network Rail.

He said: “I was very sorry to hear of the tragic accident that occurred at Hoghton level crossing today and am in contact with both the Minister of State for Rail and Network Rail.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of all those involved.”

Several trains between Preston and Blackburn have been cancelled due to the crash.

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “We can confirm the 7.51am Colne to Preston service was involved in a collision with a car at a level crossing in Hoghton this morning.

“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 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.”

British Transport Police, paramedics, and the fire service attended the scene.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “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.

“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.

“Enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident are ongoing, and anyone who witnessed what happened who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to text 61016 quoting reference 152 of June 25.”

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service said: “North West Ambulance Service responded to an incident in the Hoghton area of Lancashire after reports of a collision between a train and a car at 8.50am today (25 June).

 “Several clinical teams attended the scene, including our hazardous area response team and two air ambulances.

 “Sadly, a child has sustained life-threatening injuries and has been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

 “No passengers travelling on the train required treatment from ambulance crews.”

Lancashire County Councillor, Usman Arif, said: “Thoughts and prayers are with the families of the person who sadly died in the incident this morning in Hoghton near Preston, I hope the injured child makes a swift recovery.

“Many thanks to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts in tackling the tragic incident.”

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to officers to get in touch by texting 61016 and quoting reference 152 of June 25.