The train was hit by power supply issues which caused a number of cancellations
22:04, 07 Jul 2025Updated 22:09, 07 Jul 2025
Passengers were left in the dark on the train for two hours(Image: Tom Cavilla)
Merseyrail passengers were stuck on a train for two hours in darkness after power supply problems led to a flurry of cancellations across the network. The train operator announced on its website how power supply issues at Hunts Cross train station had caused cancellations on the Ormskirk/Hunts Cross line from around 6pm on Monday, July 7.
Tom, 26, told the ECHO he was on his way to a flat viewing and was expecting to get off at St Michaels before the train was plunged into darkness as it lost power due to the issues at Hunts Cross. It stopped on the tracks shortly after 6pm.
The 26-year-old said: “The Merseyrail train was stuck for two hours in the tunnel. We got stuck in tunnel on way to St Michaels and didn’t move for two hours.
“The power went off, the lights went off and then the woman working on the train said ‘don’t worry everyone it’s fine, we’re going to be fine’.
“We were one stop away and nearly at St Michaels when the power cut out. The driver the opened door and you could see lights at the end of tunnel.”
People had to wait for the problem to be resolved
Tom said another train eventually towed the train he was travelling on back to Brunswick, where he got off just after 8pm. The ECHO understands the driver of the train was in contact with the control room through a radio system while they waited for the problem to be resolved.
Tom added: “Because we stopped in the tunnel it was pitch black, you couldn’t see anything. It couldn’t have stopped anywhere worse, it was so dark – it was like something out of a movie.
“People started getting really hot, needing water, needing something to eat. The driver kept telling people not to worry and apologising.”
The ECHO understands Network Rail – the infrastructure manager of most of the railway network across the country – are responsible for power supply on the network. In a statement on X at 9pm on Monday, Merseyrail said: “Services on the line are returning, subject to delays and short notice cancellations until a normal working timetable is restored”.
Merseyrail apologised for any inconvenience caused. Passengers impacted by the incident may be entitled to a refund or compensation. For more information visit: help.merseyrail.org/hc/en-gb
Photos show passengers sat in darkness on the train which ground to a halt near to St Michaels this evening.
Merseyrail said on its website: “Due to power supply problems at Hunts Cross, train services are suspended between Hunts Cross & Liverpool Central.
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“Rail replacement buses are running between Hunts Cross & Moorfields in both directions. Ticket acceptance is now in place on all relevant bus routes with Stagecoach and Arriva bus services.
“Ticket acceptance is currently in place for Merseyrail passengers to travel on Northern services between Hunts Cross & Liverpool Lime Street.
“Please check the Live Departure Board above and our X channel @merseyrail for more detailed information on affected services.”
All trains for the evening from Hunts Cross to Ormskirk have been cancelled until 10.36pm.