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 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 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.
