Salford, UK – A suspected drink-driver’s car veered off the road and plunged onto a railway line in Salford in the early hours of Friday morning, causing significant travel disruptions across the North West.
The crash has led to the closure of the main line between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly, severely affecting train services operated by Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales.
According to Network Rail, the accident caused “significant damage to the railway and overhead electric cables,” resulting in widespread cancellations and delays.
The railway operator stated that the line was expected to remain closed for “the majority of the day,” with disruption between Newton-le-Willows and Manchester Oxford Road / Manchester Victoria expected to last “until the end of the day.”
Driver Arrested and Hospitalized
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the driver of the car, who sustained “serious but not life-threatening” injuries, had been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
The driver was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, and an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.
Images released by GMP show the wreckage of the burnt-out and overturned vehicle lying on the railway tracks, with debris scattered across the scene.
A section of the concrete barrier the car crashed through, estimated to be around four inches (10 cm) thick, also collapsed onto the track.
Engineers Assess Damage
BBC Radio Manchester reporter Michelle Adamson, reporting from the scene, described the severity of the crash.
“The car has gone through two trees – I don’t know how, as the gap is literally the width of the car. Engineers have been inspecting the structural integrity of the bridge from which the car fell, using climbing gear to abseil down,” she said.
Network Rail confirmed that removing the “badly damaged” vehicle would take time, adding: “We’re really sorry to any passengers affected by this incident and urge anyone planning to travel by train between Liverpool and Manchester to plan ahead and check with their train operator for the latest travel information.”
Major Train Services Impacted
The crash has caused severe disruption to key rail routes, including:
- Liverpool Lime Street – Manchester Airport (Northern)
- Wigan North Western – Manchester Victoria (Northern)
- Chester – Leeds (Northern)
- Chester – Manchester Victoria (Northern)
- Liverpool Lime Street – Manchester Victoria (TransPennine Express)
- Liverpool Lime Street – Hull (TransPennine Express)
- Liverpool Lime Street – Newcastle (TransPennine Express)
- Lancaster – Manchester Airport (TransPennine Express)
- Chester – Manchester Airport (Transport for Wales)
- Llandudno – Manchester Airport (Transport for Wales)
- Llandudno – Manchester Oxford Road (Transport for Wales)
- Holyhead – Manchester Airport (Transport for Wales)
Rail replacement bus services have been arranged for affected routes, with Northern Rail confirming that passengers can use their train tickets on these services. Full details have been provided on the National Rail website.
As engineers continue repair work and authorities investigate the incident, passengers are advised to check for real-time updates before traveling.
