Lancashire's council leader has expressed his ‘deepest condolences’ after a woman died and a young girl was left in a critical condition when a train struck a car today.
British Transport Police (BTP) were called to the crossing in Hoghton following reports of the collision. Two people were in the car; the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the eight-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition. No passengers on the train were injured.
BTP Superintendent Jamie McGowan said the events were ‘truly devastating’ and confirmed detectives are working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish what led to the collision.
Lancashire County Council leader Cllr Stephen Atkinson asked that the family's privacy be respected ‘at this incredibly difficult time.’
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, quoting reference 152 of 25 June.
