One dead after plane crash on train line

AT least one person is believed to have died after a light aircraft crashed on to a train line in Staffordshire today.

The incident happened shortly before midday at Little Haywood, near Stafford.

Emergency crews are currently at the incident and it is not yet known where the plane took off from.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police, said: "Following the light aircraft crash at Little Haywood, Colwich Junction, Staffordshire today, there are potentially two fatalities from the aircraft.

"The incident was reported by a member of the public at midday today and all trains are stopped in the area.

"It is believed the light aircraft struck the railway overhead cables and crashed. All emergency services are attending."

The line on which the plane fell is part of the main London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route.

Virgin Trains said services between London, Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool were being diverted.

Fire crews from Stafford and Rugeley have been sent to the incident along with the incident response unit from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, a rescue vehicle from Longton and a landrover from Cannock.

However after the situation had been assessed the specialist appliances were returned and just appliances from Stafford and Rugeley remain at the scene.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Area Commander, Phil McFarlane said: "We are working closely alongside the other agencies at this incident which involves a single propeller aircraft that has gone down between two rail tracks. As it has gone down it has also taken down some overhead cables, Network Rail have been informed."

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently using dry powder to extinguish any remaining pockets of fire."