Chaos erupted on the railway connecting a major airport following a fatality, as confirmed by transport authorities. Responding to reports of an incident involving a casualty on the tracks at Gatley railway station, the British Transport Police dispatched officers and paramedics. Tragically, one individual was declared deceased, leading to significant disruptions expected to extend into the afternoon.
The train line between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport came to a standstill in the wake of the incident, causing widespread delays. Fortunately, after a prolonged period of chaos, delays are gradually diminishing. Inrix, a transportation data and analytics provider, has indicated that service disruptions have alleviated following the emergency response.
Beyond Manchester, severe disruptions have impacted passengers traveling between Reading and Basingstoke, with all lines blocked due to a trespass incident at Reading Green Park. National Rail announced potential cancellations, delays of up to 30 minutes, or revised schedules for trains operating between these stations.
Although regular service has resumed on TransPennine Express routes between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, Northern services are still experiencing prolonged delays, leading to cancellations, revisions, or delays. Passengers are advised to utilize Metrolink services as an alternative to trains, with the option to utilize Bee Network buses free of charge.
Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales services have all been affected by the disruptions. National Rail has projected that delays may persist until 3.30pm. The railway line between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport remains fully closed as emergency crews continue to manage the situation.
Emergency services are actively working at the scene, aiming to restore normal operations as swiftly as possible. According to a British Transport Police spokesperson, the authorities received reports of the incident around midday, confirming the fatality at Gatley railway station. The spokesperson stated that the occurrence is not deemed suspicious, and preparations are underway for the coroner’s review.