A person has died after being struck by a passenger train near a level crossing in Purton, Wiltshire.

Emergency services were called to the railway line near Collins Lane Level Crossing at around 3.05pm on Thursday, 22 October 2026.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that the person was pronounced dead at the scene despite the attendance of emergency services.

Air ambulance lands near level crossing

The incident prompted a major emergency response, with police and paramedics attending the scene.

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) dispatched its helicopter at 3.09pm, carrying a critical care doctor, a trainee critical care doctor and a specialist paramedic.

The helicopter landed in a field close to the level crossing as emergency crews responded to the incident.

A Great Western Railway (GWR) passenger service, named Firefighter Fleur Lombard, was left stationary with passengers on board following the incident.

Police closed Collins Lane while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Railway line reopened after investigation

The incident resulted in the closure of the railway line between Swindon and Gloucester, with trains unable to travel through the affected section.

The line reopened at approximately 5.30pm on Thursday evening.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “We were called to an area of the line in Purton shortly after 3pm today (22 October) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Officers attended, along with paramedics, but sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The person’s identity has not been released in the information provided.

The circumstances surrounding the death will be considered as part of the process involving the coroner.