West Coast Mainline Closes Key Section Following Tragic Incident
On January 16, 2026, a significant section of the West Coast Mainline was closed following a tragic incident in Stoke-on-Trent. The British Transport Police reported that a person was found deceased on the tracks near Longport railway station.
Incident Overview
The distressing event took place around 11:10 AM, and emergency responders were called to the scene. Despite their efforts, the individual was pronounced dead on-site. Authorities have confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. A report will be submitted to the coroner for further proceedings.
Impact on Train Services
Due to the incident, the line between Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent was closed, resulting in significant disruptions.
Disruptions to Rail Services
National Rail issued warnings about possible train delays and cancellations. Affected services included:
- Avanti West Coast: Routes between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston
- CrossCountry: Services between Manchester Piccadilly and Bristol Temple Meads/Bournemouth/Paignton
- East Midlands Railway: Routes between Crewe and Lincoln
- London Northwestern Railway: Services between Crewe and Stafford
- Northern: Services between Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke-on-Trent
Alternative Travel Options
Avanti West Coast customers were advised that their tickets could be used at no extra cost on the following services:
- CrossCountry routes ‘via any reasonable route’
- East Midlands Railway services ‘via any reasonable route’
- Northern services between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe in both directions
- Transport for Wales services between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe in both directions
Expected Duration of Disruption
Major disruptions are anticipated to persist until at least 4 PM. Passengers are advised to check for updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
