Major train services, including routes to Liverpool Lime Street, experienced significant disruption on Wednesday morning after a person was found dead on the railway line near Eccles station. British Transport Police confirmed they were called to the scene early in the morning following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
Key Takeaways
- Emergency services were alerted to an incident near Eccles railway station at approximately 6:30 am on Wednesday, October 1.
- British Transport Police and paramedics attended, but a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
- The incident caused widespread cancellations and delays on major routes affecting Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, and Leeds.
- Train services have since returned to their normal schedules.
Emergency Services Respond to Early Morning Call
British Transport Police (BTP) received a report at around 6:30 am on Wednesday concerning a casualty on the railway tracks in the vicinity of Eccles station. Officers were dispatched to the location immediately, along with paramedic crews, to assess the situation.
Upon arrival, emergency responders confirmed that a person had died at the scene. The area was secured to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. The focus of the initial response was to manage the incident with sensitivity while working to understand the circumstances.
Police Statement on the Incident
A spokesperson for the British Transport Police provided a formal statement regarding the event. They confirmed the time of the call and the unfortunate outcome. The BTP also stated that the incident is not being treated as suspicious. As is standard procedure in such cases, a file will be compiled and handed to the coroner to assist with future proceedings.
Widespread Disruption Across Northern Rail Network
The closure of the railway line had an immediate and significant impact on train services across the region, affecting thousands of morning commuters. Several major operators reported delays, alterations, and cancellations to their scheduled services.
National Rail confirmed that the incident blocked lines between Manchester Victoria/Manchester Oxford Road and Newton-le-Willows, a key corridor for regional travel. Passengers were advised to check for updates before travelling and to seek alternative routes where possible.
Impact on Key Train Operators
The disruption affected a wide range of services connecting major northern cities. The operators and routes impacted included:
- Northern: Services between Leeds and Chester, Manchester Airport and Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Victoria and Chester/Liverpool Lime Street, and Wigan North Western and Liverpool Lime Street were all affected.
- TransPennine Express: Routes connecting Newcastle and Hull with Liverpool Lime Street experienced significant delays.
- Transport for Wales: Services running between Manchester Airport and destinations such as Chester, Llandudno, Llandudno Junction, and Holyhead were also disrupted.
Restoration of Services
According to National Rail, emergency services worked efficiently to clear the line. Later in the morning, it was announced that trains were able to run normally again through the affected area, allowing services to resume. However, residual delays were expected as operators worked to restore their timetables.
The Process Following Railway Incidents
When an incident like this occurs on the railway, a specific protocol is followed. The first priority for emergency services is the preservation of life and the safety of everyone at the scene. Once the situation is secure, the British Transport Police takes the lead in the investigation.
Investigators work to identify the deceased and establish the circumstances leading to their death. In cases not deemed suspicious, this involves gathering information for the coroner's inquest, which is a fact-finding inquiry to determine the cause of death. The process is handled with care to respect the privacy and dignity of the individual and their family.
Rail network operators collaborate closely with the BTP to reopen the lines as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so. This minimizes disruption for passengers while ensuring the investigation is not compromised.
Support and Information
For anyone affected by this news or struggling with their mental health, support is available. Samaritans operates a free, 24-hour service that can be reached by calling 116 123. They also offer support via email at [email protected] for those who prefer to write down their feelings.