Woman killed after being struck by train in Flint

Aug 9 2012 by Kathryn Quayle, Flintshire Chronicle

A WOMAN has died after being hit by a train near Flint station.

A Network Rail spokesman confirmed the incident, involving an Arriva Trains Wales train, happened shortly after 5am yesterday (Wednesday) on the westbound track about 500 yards from the station.

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) attended the scene and the incident, which was reported at 5.03am, is not being treated as suspicious.

A BTP spokeswoman said: “BTP officers were called to Flint railway station on Wednesday, August 8, after a report that a woman had been struck by a train.

“Paramedics from the ambulance service also attended, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the woman’s identity and inform her family.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The train involved was the 4.28am Chester to Llandudno Junction service. There was widespread disruption to services between Holyhead, Chester and Wrexham as emergency workers removed the body and a new crew was brought in. Trains were replaced by buses and the line was handed back to Network Rail at 7.05am.

Delays were expected to continue until about 10am.

Mayor of Flint Vicky Perfect said the news had come as a shock.

She told the Chronicle: “This is a complete tragedy. My heart goes out to the family.”

The incident happened on the same stretch of line where former Accrington Stanley footballer Bernard Poole, of Holywell, died in January.

An inquest held last month heard Mr Poole, who suffered from mental health problems, killed himself by kneeling in front of a train.