A power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre caused significant delays and cancellations for thousands of rail passengers in northern England. The outage, which began just before 14:00 BST, affected multiple rail operators, leading to stranded passengers and lengthy disruptions throughout the day.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged the situation, advising travelers to check train statuses before heading out. Evacuations were reported from trains, and many passengers faced extended travel times or had to seek alternative transportation options.
Travelers should stay updated on service statuses as disruptions may continue into the evening. Consider alternative transport options, such as buses or rideshares, especially if you're in the affected areas. Monitor announcements from rail operators for the latest information.