(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Train services through the North East have been disrupted this morning (Wednesday, October 21) as emergency services deal with an incident.
Rail passengers faced disruption this morning after an incident prompted the closure of railway lines in the Newcastle area.
National Rail, Northern and TransPennine Express have warned that services running to, from and through Newcastle may be cancelled, delayed or revised while emergency services attend the scene.
The British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed that a person was hit by a train and died this morning.
A BTP spokesperson said: "We were called to an area of the line close to Newcastle station at around 8am today (21 October) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
"Officers attended along with paramedics, but sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to their death."
The disruption could affect passengers travelling between York and Newcastle, including those using services through Darlington and Durham.
Northern also warned passengers that all lines were blocked at Newcastle while emergency services dealt with the incident.
⚠️Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Newcastle all lines are blocked 🚆Services running through this station may be cancelled or revised https://t.co/rUsRksqXYr #NorthernUpdates
— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) October 21, 2026
National Rail subsequently reported that some lines were closed, with trains running to, from and through Newcastle potentially affected.
The disruption may have knock-on effects for passengers travelling through Durham and Darlington, which are on the main railway route between Newcastle and York.
Passengers have been urged to allow additional time for their journeys and check the latest information before travelling.
Ticket acceptance arrangements have been put in place to help affected passengers
TransPennine Express customers can use their tickets at no additional cost on CrossCountry, LNER and Northern services between Newcastle, York and Leeds.
CrossCountry has also confirmed that affected customers can use their tickets on alternative services, including:
- The two CrossCountry services operating before and after their cancelled service.
- Avanti West Coast services between Edinburgh and Birmingham New Street.
- LNER services between Edinburgh and York.
- Northern services between York and Sheffield via Leeds.
- TransPennine Express services between Edinburgh and Newcastle, York or Leeds.
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Rail operators have warned that other train companies may also be experiencing disruption.
The nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed in the information released by operators.
Passengers can check the latest updates through National Rail or Northern's service updates.
If you are in need of support you can contact the following:
- Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org*.*
- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258
- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58