One killed and child hospitalised in Hoghton level crossing crash

A person has died and a child is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after their car was struck by a train at a level crossing.

It happened at about 08:50 BST on Thursday at a crossing in Hoghton, near Preston in Lancashire, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

Paramedics and the fire service are in attendance, but there have been no other injuries reported from passengers or staff on the train at this time, BTP confirmed.

Northern Trains warned passengers services running through Preston and Blackburn have been cancelled with bus replacements operating.

North West Ambulance Service said several clinical teams attended the scene, including the 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 from the train required treatment from ambulance crews,” a spokesman said.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services told the BBC four fire engines and specialist appliances are in attendance and are asking the public to avoid the area.

A BTP spokesperson said: “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.”

Inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are continuing, and anyone who witnessed what happened has been asked to contact police.

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.

“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.”