West Coast mainline reopens after fatality closes tracks for hours

Credit: PA Images

Lines have reopened on the West Coast mainline after the major route was closed for a number of hours following a fatality on the tracks.

The incident between Watford Junction and London Euston meant all lines were blocked, with services including Avanti West Coast unable to run.

British Transport Police said it received a report of a casualty on tracks near Watford Junction station, Hertfordshire at 6:04am on Wednesday, 5 June.

Paramedics attended but the person died at the scene.

National Rail said: "Emergency services have now safely completed their work between Watford Junction and Bushey, and all lines have reopened.

"Whilst service recovers, trains running between these stations may still be severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised."

Tickets are being accepted on other services, and travel advice is available on National Rail's website.

Routes affected:

  • Avanti West Coast between Blackpool North / Edinburgh / Liverpool Lime Street / Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston

  • London Northwestern Railway between Birmingham New Street / Coventry / Bletchley / Milton Keynes Central and London Euston

  • Southern between Watford Junction and Clapham Junction / East Croydon