Woman killed and girl, 8, left in critical condition after train hits car in Lancashire

A woman has died, and an an eight-year-old girl has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, after a train hit a car at a level crossing.

The incident happened shortly before 8.50am on Thursday at the level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

BTP added that woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the girl remains in "critical condition" in hospital. They were the only people in the car.

A BTP statement read: "Two people were in the car, and sadly a woman was pronounced dead the scene, an eight-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

"There have been no other injuries reported from passengers on the train."

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch are investigating the collision.

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BTP Superintendent Jamie McGowan said: "Today's events are truly devastating, and our thoughts are firmly with the family of the woman who sadly lost her life and the young girl in hospital with serious injuries.

"Members of their family are being supported by specially-trained officers.

"Detectives remain at the scene working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what led to the collision."

(c) Sky News 2026: Woman killed and girl, 8, left in critical condition after train hits car in Lancashire