Key facts
- A power failure occurred at a Manchester signalling centre.
- The power failure caused widespread disruption across northern England.
- Thousands of rail passengers experienced delays and cancellations.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander advised passengers to check services.
- Disruption was expected to continue for the rest of the day.
A power failure originating at a Manchester signalling centre has led to widespread disruption affecting thousands of rail passengers across northern England. The incident caused significant delays and numerous cancellations on services throughout the region. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander issued advice to passengers, urging them to verify the status of their intended journeys before traveling. The disruption was anticipated to continue for the entire day, impacting commuters and travelers alike. The exact cause of the power failure at the signalling centre is under investigation, but its impact on the rail network has been substantial, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to such events. Network Rail is working to restore full services as quickly as possible.