Summary

Live Reporting

Edited by Johanna Chisholm

  1. National Rail update for passengers

    This is the current message for travellers in the area from National Rail:

    Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident between Newton-le-Willows / Wigan North Western and Manchester Oxford Road / Manchester Victoria all lines are currently closed. As a result, trains may be cancelled or diverted. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.

    National Rail

    The site is also recommending travellers use the hashtag #Eccles to follow developments on X.

  2. Rail replacement service in place

    If your journey is affected, tickets are being accepted on alternative rail services where applicable.

    A rail replacement bus service has also been organised.

    National Rail, which represents train operating companies, said disruption between Newton-le-Willows and Manchester's Oxford Road and Victoria stations was expected until 13:00 GMT.

    Customers can use their ticket on the replacement services running at 30 minutes past every hour between Newton-le-Willows and Manchester Victoria. The last service leaves at 12:30 GMT.

    Passengers travelling from Liverpool Lime Street who need Manchester stations can travel via Warrington Bank Quay.

    There’s more information on their website.

  3. What the scene was like last night

    The crash happened at night.

    From the pictures below, we can see the car on its roof. The wreckage looks beyond repair.

    There is also a trail of debris around the car.

    The driver has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. They have suffered serious but not life threatening injuries and are in hospital.

    Taken at night time, a wreckage of a car upside down which is extensively damaged and has debris around itGMP
    A path surrounded by grass with various bits of debris seen and red barriers across one side. A person in high vis walks alongGMP

  4. What routes are affected?

    The car crash has caused significant damage to the railway tracks and overhead power lines, Network Rail says.

    It means that no trains can run on the Chat Moss line, which connects Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly, until repairs are carried out.

    Services on Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail face significant disruption.

    Here are the affected routes:

    • Liverpool Lime Street-Manchester Airport
    • Wigan North Western-Manchester Victoria
    • Chester-Leeds
    • Chester-Manchester Victoria
    • Liverpool Lime Street-Manchester Victoria
    • Liverpool Lime Street-Hull
    • Liverpool Lime Street-Newcastle
    • Lancaster-Manchester Airport
    • Chester-Manchester Airport
    • Llandudno-Manchester Airport
    • Llandudno-Manchester Oxford Road
    • Holyhead-Manchester Airport

  5. Car plunges on to railway line causing travel chaos

    Imogen James
    BBC News

    Bad news if you're travelling by train between Liverpool and Manchester today.

    A car crashed last night near Regent Road roundabout in Salford, landing on the railway tracks, where it still remains.

    The crash caused serious damage to the tracks and overhead cables.

    Until it is cleared, there will be extensive disruption on train routes between Liverpool and Manchester today, Network Rail says.

    We will be bringing you the latest on the travel chaos and alternative options to help you get from A to B, so stay tuned.