Travel chaos has erupted this morning on the commute between Manchester and Liverpool after a car crashed onto railway tracks at Salford, with the driver arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
The incident, which occurred last night at Regent Roundabout, has caused severe damage to tracks and overhead power cables, forcing widespread cancellations across the northern rail network.
Network Rail warns services will be severely disrupted until at least lunchtime today as crews work to remove the overturned vehicle and repair infrastructure damage.
The car remains overturned on the railway tracks, surrounded by debris from the crash at Salford's Regent Roundabout.
The car remains overturned on the railway tracks, surrounded by debris from the crash at Salford's Regent Roundabout
GMP
Pictures from the scene show the vehicle lying on its roof with extensive damage, described as "beyond repair".
The incident has caused significant damage to both the railway tracks and overhead power lines along the Chat Moss line, which connects Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly.
No trains can operate on the affected line until repairs are completed.
Multiple major rail routes across the northern network face significant disruption, including Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Airport and Newcastle services.
Other affected routes include Wigan North Western to Manchester Victoria and Chester to Leeds connections.
Services between Chester and Manchester Victoria, Liverpool Lime Street and Hull, and Lancaster to Manchester Airport are also suspended.
Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail passengers face widespread cancellations on routes including Llandudno and Holyhead to Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police arrested the driver on suspicion of drink-driving following the incident
TRANSPENINE
The driver has been taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, British Transport Police confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police arrested the driver on suspicion of drink-driving following the incident.
"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing," police say.
Network Rail states the car must be removed and overhead power lines repaired before services can resume normal operation.
Rail replacement bus services have been organised for affected passengers, with details available on the National Rail website.
Network Rail expects major disruptions to last all day.
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