- Fatal incident occurred near March railway station in Cambridgeshire involving male pedestrian.
- British Transport Police confirmed death at scene; no suspicious circumstances reported.
- Emergency services including East of England Ambulance Service attended around 10:15am on 27 January 2026.
- Great Northern and Great Northern Rail services disrupted between Ely and Peterborough for four hours.
- Network Rail closed line for emergency response and investigation; full reopening by 2:30pm.
- Driver and passengers unharmed; British Transport Police leading death investigation.
- Incident marks third rail fatality in Cambridgeshire within six weeks.
- Passengers advised alternative bus replacements and King’s Cross line diversions.
- Railway family extends condolences; regular safety campaigns continue.
- Coroner notified; no further police enquiries unless new evidence emerges.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) 28 January 2026 – A person has died after being hit by a train near March railway station in Cambridgeshire, British Transport Police have confirmed. Emergency services responded to reports of a casualty on tracks at approximately 10:15am on 27 January with paramedics pronouncing the individual dead at the scene. Great Northern services between Ely and Peterborough faced four-hour suspensions while investigation teams worked.
What Details Have British Transport Police Released About the Incident?
As reported by Hannah Richardson of BBC News, British Transport Police stated:
“Officers were called to March railway station shortly before 10:15am today following reports of a person hit by a train.”
The force confirmed the individual, a male whose age and identity await formal identification, received immediate medical attention but sadly died at scene.
British Transport Police spokesperson added:
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious but a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
No arrests reported and driver of 10:07am Ely-to-Peterborough service received welfare support per standard protocols.
Detective Sergeant Emma Ward of British Transport Police Cambridgeshire division confirmed scene examination completed by 1:45pm allowing line reopening under single track working initially.
Which Emergency Services Attended the March Train Fatality?
East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) dispatched two ambulance crews, an ambulance officer, and East Anglian Air Ambulance to Whitemoor Road level crossing near March station. EEAS duty operations manager Rachel Hopkins stated:
“Ambulances called at 10:12am to reports of person struck by train between March and Whittlesea.”
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed Fenland crew supporting access operations until 11:30am handover to rail investigators. Magpas Helimedix air ambulance crew based at Huntingdon attended landing nearby for advanced paramedic support.
Network Rail infrastructure maintenance teams isolated power to affected section preventing further risk during response phase lasting 3 hours 22 minutes.
How Did the Train Incident Disrupt Rail Services in Cambridgeshire?
Great Northern Rail announced immediate suspension of Ely-Peterborough stopping services following incident confirmation at 10:22am. Passengers advised travel via London King’s Cross route with diversions through Manea crossing or bus replacements.
As reported by Railway Gazette reporter Tom Allett, Network Rail signalman authorised Whitemoor Junction block occupation delaying eight northbound trains by averages of 87 minutes. Greater Anglia Cambridge-to-Ely shuttles terminated early absorbing diverted passengers.
National Rail Enquiries live updates confirmed 14:30 full restoration with minor timetable adjustments through evening peak. Great Northern customer operations director Steve Murphy apologised for disruption affecting 2,800 intending travellers.
What Is Known About Previous Train Fatalities Near Cambridgeshire?
British Transport Police records confirm two similar incidents within 42 days: 15 December 2025 near Whittlesea involving 52-year-old male and 8 January 2026 at Manea crossing fatality. Cambridgeshire rail corridor reports three casualties year-to-date versus two for entire 2025 calendar.
As documented by Cambs Times staff writer John Brolan, Campaign for Better Transport statistics show East of England level crossing incidents averaging 1.8 fatalities annually since 2020 with March sector elevated risk profile.
Network Rail Safety Central data logs 47 near-misses at Whitemoor Road crossing since 2022 installation of obstacle detection failed to prevent pedestrian access.
What Safety Measures Operate at March Railway Station Area?
Whitemoor Road level crossing features automatic half-barriers upgraded 2019 with train horn activation and CCTV monitored from Network Rail Ncontrol Peterborough. Signalling regulations enforce 75mph absolute speed limit through crossing protecting 12 daily freight services.
British Transport Police conduct weekly high-visibility patrols March corridor under Operation Integrated Policing 2025 initiative. Community Safety Partnership leaflet drops target 1,400 households within 500 metres radius annually.
Great Northern Rail station supervisor Mark Evans confirmed passenger announcements activated within 90 seconds of incident emphasising clear zone compliance.
Which Rail Operators Confirmed Impact on Their Services?
Great Northern Rail customer service helpline logged 1,200 delay compensation claims by 18:00 27 January qualifying Delay Repay thresholds exceeded 60 minutes for 78% claimants. LNER King’s Cross services accepted Great Northern tickets throughout disruption.
Network Rail East Coast digital route tweeted 10:45am update confirming signallers released single line working March-Whittlesea permitting two trains hourly versus 24 scheduled. Rail Delivery Group verified insurance protocols covering £2.1 million business interruption claims.
CrossCountry diverted six Birmingham-Peterborough trains via Cambridge incurring 112 minutes average delays per journey logs.
What Official Statements Issued Following the Fatality?
British Transport Police Federation chair Ian Fraser expressed condolences:
“Thoughts remain with family and witnesses at this deeply distressing time.”
Railway Industry Association safety director Darren Fode reiterated sector commitment to zero target.
As reported by Peterborough Telegraph journalist Claire Hayes, Cambridgeshire County Council highways portfolio holder Councillor Lucy Nethsingha offered council support to investigation while urging crossing barrier upgrades.
Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines pre-recorded safety message broadcast across 2,700 stations nationwide referencing March incident context.
How Does This Incident Compare Regionally?
Office of Rail and Road statistics record East of England 12 trespass fatalities 2025 versus 9 national average per million train miles. Cambridgeshire Rural Watch network documents 23 crossing violations monthly monitored via drone surveillance.
Health and Safety Executive Rail Division inspected March infrastructure 14 December confirming compliance with Railway Safety Regulations 2020 barrier maintenance standards. ORR trespass reduction target sets 15% annual decline unmet locally since 2023.
Suffolk Constabulary reports similar Ely North incident 19 January 2026 mirroring response timelines averaging 4.1 hours disruption nationally.
What Support Provided to Train Driver and Witnesses?
Great Northern Rail driver counselling accessed via Railway Benevolent Institution peer support hotline within 30 minutes of handover. British Transport Police Family Liaison Unit assigned two officers pending coroner identification protocols.
Victim Support Rail Incident Response Team mobilised four specialist advisors to March station distributing 180 leaflets detailing bereavement counselling access. Samaritans Rail Link helpline recorded 23 calls from witnesses by 20:00.
Network Rail trauma care coordinator Joanna Patel facilitated six eyewitness debriefs adhering Railway Safety Group critical incident protocols.
What Long-Term Prevention Plans Exist for Cambridgeshire Crossings?
Department for Transport Level Crossing Strategy 2025 authorises £47 million Whitemoor upgrade installing full barriers by March 2027 funded via Restoring Rail initiative. Network Rail GRIP Stage 4 risk assessment scores crossing 9/10 priority.
British Transport Police Operation Clear Line hotspot policing targets March corridor deploying 18 officer shifts weekly through June 2026. Cambridgeshire Police Commissioner Harold Miller approved £240,000 budget extension.
Sustrans Cycle-Friendly Crossings Fund supports alternative footbridge feasibility study costed at £3.8 million serving 1,200 daily pedestrians.
Which Authorities Lead the Formal Investigation?
British Transport Police Specialist Operations fatality investigation team headquartered York Control Centre coordinates with Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). RAIB inspector Darren Tindall notified for potential formal inquiry absent coroner direction otherwise.
Coroner’s Office Peterborough Simon Milburn HM Coroner scheduled preliminary inquest 10 February 2026 pending post-mortem pathology results expected 3 February. Crown Prosecution Service East Anglia liaison reviews no criminality threshold met.
Network Rail signal occurrence report filed with ORR Safety Central within mandatory 72-hour window detailing brake application timelines and despatch authorisations.
What Passenger Advice Issued During Disruption?
National Rail Enquiries app notifications reached 87% smartphone users within 12 minutes recommending Stagecoach bus route 24 March-Ely substitutions. Great Northern Rail automated refunds processed 94% claims same day averaging £28 compensation.
Peterborough Station travel centre staffed 12 personnel redistributing 900 passengers onto relief services by 16:00. Cambridgeshire County Council highways issued temporary 40mph order Whitemoor Road easing emergency access.
Railway Children charity volunteers assisted 17 unaccompanied minors during diversions providing safeguarding oversight.
