A MAJOR train line linking to the UK’s third busiest airport has shut after a person died on the tracks.
The train line between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport has been completely blocked after a casualty was reported at Gatley railway station.
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The British Transport Police said in a statement that both officers and paramedics scrambled to the scene.
But one person was tragically pronounced dead and disruption is now expected to last into the afternoon.
All trains on the route between Manchester Picadilly and the airport are currently either cancelled, revised or delayed.
National Rail says the issue will impact services for around two hours.
They say the disruption on the line is now expected to last until at least 3.30pm.
Emergency services are continuing to work on the scene, as well as Network Rail engineers.
Operators affected by the closure include Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales.
Travellers have been urged to use Metrolink services instead of trains, or the Bee Network free bus.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Officers were called at around 12pm today (8 October) to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Gatley railway station.
“Officers responded with paramedics, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
The full routes affected by this afternoon’s line closure:
- Northern services between Blackpool North / Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport and also between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly
- TransPennine Express services between Edinburgh / Glasgow Central / Stalybridge and Manchester Airport
- Transport for Wales services between Holyhead / Llandudno / Llandudno Junction and Manchester Airport
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