Delivery driver killed after Northern train smashes into van at Burscough level crossing, leaving passengers 'lucky to be alive'
Emergency services declared a major incident following the collision between a train and a vehicle at the Burscough level crossing in West Lancashire.Fire and ambulance units joined the response at the level crossing, where the damaged car remained visible at the scene.
A delivery driver died on Saturday after a Northern train struck his van at Martins Lane level crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, at approximately 3.18pm. Sophie Cassidy, who was travelling with her two children, said the cab door was ripped from its hinges and hit her daughter, sending glass shards into her. British Transport Police have said the death is not being treated as suspicious and are appealing for witnesses. The Wigan Wallgate to Southport line remains closed through Sunday, with bus replacements running.
Cassidy described the train driver as 'an absolute hero' for walking through the carriages to check on every passenger straight after the collision.
Her daughter's injury from the glass was 'just a surface wound', but Cassidy said she had been 'very tearful' thinking about the van driver who lost his life.
Passengers waited on the train for at least two hours before firefighters helped them off individually; counselling was provided at the scene.
