One person was killed and a child suffered critical injuries after a train smashed into a car at a level crossing in Lancashire.
Emergency services were alerted at about 8.50am after reports that a train had struck a car at Hoghton level crossing outside Preston.
The child, whose age has not been revealed, was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, while another person died at the scene.
The train involved was a Northern train from Colne to Preston, and no passengers were injured.
Tricia Williams, Northern’s managing director, said: ‘We are deeply saddened by this morning’s incident involving the 7.51am Colne to Preston service.’
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‘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.’
Trains between Preston and Blackburn are suspended.
British Transport Police 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.
‘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.’
Several ambulances and air ambulances were scrambled to the scene, which is located in rural Lancashire, around five miles from Preston.
The nearest railway station is Pleasington, served by Northern trains.
People are urged to avoid the area on Station Road while an investigation is carried out and the crossing remains closed.
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