Big delays as 2 killed in separate railway incidents

TWO people died after being struck by trains in two separate incidents in the region this week.

Services were diverted and cancelled on both the lines between Leamington Spa and Coventry, and later, between Milton Keynes and Coventry, as a result of the incidents.

British Transport Police and ambulance crews were called to the incidents, but both people involved were pronounced dead at the scene.

The first of the two incidents took place at Kenilworth Railway Station at around 10.28am on Wednesday.

Transport Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to reports that a person had been struck by a train.

One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

An ambulance spokesperson said: “On arrival, it was immediately obvious that nothing could be done to save the man.”

As a result of this incident, the line between Leamington and Coventry was shut until shortly after 5pm.

Services from Leamington Spa to Birmingham completely bypassed both Coventry and Birmingham International, instead traveling via the Solihull route.

Replacement buses were in operation for much of the day, along with ticket acceptance with other train operators and bus companies in the area.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “At 10.28am today officers were called to Kenilworth station following reports that a person had been struck by a train. Officers attended alongside paramedics however sadly, a person was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are now working to identify the person and inform their family.

“This incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

A few hours later, while the Leamington line was still shut, a second incident took place on the West Coast main line a short distance south of Long Buckby.

Once again, British Transport Police (BTP) were called, along with East Midlands Ambulance Service.

A statement released by BTP said: “At 2.28pm today officers were called to the railway lines close to Blisworth, Northampton following reports that a person had been struck by a train.

“Officers attended the location alongside paramedics however sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are now working to identify the person and inform their family. This incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Trains running between Coventry and London Euston were impacted by this incident, with services between Rugby and Milton Keynes Central diverting via Northampton.