Long delays after major rail route blocked by chemical spillage on track
The incident occurred on the West Coast Main Line at Crewe early on Wednesday
![Avanti West Coast Pendolino Passenger Train at Crewe Railway Station](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/05/30/10/iStock-1318929910-1.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
A major train route was closed due to a chemical spillage.
National Rail Enquiries said the incident near Crewe, which is a key station on the West Coast Main Line, was reported at 5.51am on Wednesday.
The six affected operators were Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Northern and Transport for Wales.
London Northwestern Railway told passengers that “due to a chemical spillage near Crewe”, lines were blocked and some services were subject to delay or cancellation.
At 7.34am, National Rail Enquiries said lines had reopened following a safety inspection of the track at Crewe.
Network Rail has been approached for comment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.