LIVEUpdated 35 mins ago
Services to and from Bolton and Wigan are being cancelled or delayed this morning amid an emergency incident
The train tracks at Wigan North Western(Image: Adam Vaughan)
Updated 10:55, 19 Jun 2026
A person has sadly died on train tracks near Greater Manchester – with trains to and from Bolton and Wigan disrupted amid the emergency incident.
The person died on the tracks near Leyland this morning (Friday, June 19), a spokesperson for the British Transport Police said. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
The train line between Preston and Bolton/Wigan North Western remains blocked, with all lines closed. Services are being cancelled, delayed or revised.
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Trains operated by TransPennine Express, Northern and Avanti West Coast are affected. The major disruption is expected to last until at least 10am.
National Rail said: “The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Preston and Bolton / Wigan North Western. Whilst they complete their work, all lines are closed.
“Trains between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until 10:00.”
A BTP spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Leyland railway station at 7.20am today (19 June) following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on this incident.
Today10:55 BST
Disruption now ended
The disruption on the train line between Bolton/Wigan and Preston has now ended.
We will end our live coverage here.
Today10:13 BST
Disruption now expected until 11.30am
The disruption on the lines from Bolton/Wigan and Preston is now expected to last until around 11.30am.
Services are continuing to be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Today09:42 BST
Some services still being cancelled or delayed
Disruption is continuing on the train line between Bolton/Wigan and Preston.
Somer TPE, Northern or Avanti services may continue to be cancelled or delayed.
Today09:08 BST
All lines reopened – though major disruption is expected until 10.30am
National Rail shared this update on X at 9am.
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Today08:57 BST
No suspicious circumstances surrounding person’s death
BTP said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the person’s death.
No further details on the person have been released at this stage.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Today08:48 BST
BTP: Person sadly dies on train tracks
In a statement, a BTP spokesperson said:
“Officers were called to Leyland railway station at 7.20am today (19 June) following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Today08:31 BST
BTP contacted for information
We have asked the British Transport Police for more information on the emergency incident.
As soon as we have a statement from them, we will update this live blog.
Today08:21 BST
Avanti services also affected
You can use your ticket at no extra cost on the following services:
TransPennine Express between Edinburgh / Glasgow Central and PrestonLNER between Edinburgh and London Kings CrossNorthern between Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington CentralContent cannot be displayed without consent
Today08:17 BST
Northern travel advice
Train services are unable to run between Preston and Bolton (in both directions).
Services on the following routes will be affected by this disruption:
Between Barrow-in-Furness and Manchester AirportBetween Blackpool North and Manchester AirportBetween Liverpool Lime Street and Blackpool NorthBetween Windermere and Manchester Airport
Northern services on the following routes are not affected:
Between Blackpool North and Leeds/YorkBetween Liverpool Lime Street and Wigan North WesternBetween Preston and ColneContent cannot be displayed without consent
Today08:11 BST
TransPennine Express services affected
TPE services which run on the line between Bolton and Preston are being affected by the issue.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Today08:06 BST
Major disruption expected until at least 10am
The major disruption on lines between Bolton/Wigan North Western and Preston is expected to last until at least 10am.
Trains are being cancelled, delayed or revised.
Today08:02 BST
National Rail statement
National Rail said:
“The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Preston and Bolton / Wigan North Western. Whilst they complete their work, all lines are closed. Trains between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until 10:00.”Follow Manchester Evening News: