A person has died after being hit by a train near Purton, in an incident that caused major disruption to rail services serving Stroud, Stonehouse and the surrounding area.
British Transport Police were called to the railway line shortly after 3pm on Thursday, October 22. Paramedics also attended, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene despite the emergency response.
Railway lines closed between Swindon and Gloucester
The incident resulted in the closure of railway lines between Swindon and Gloucester while emergency services dealt with the scene. The closure affected services calling at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse, disrupting journeys along the route.
For passengers travelling through the Stroud area, the impact extended beyond Purton because trains serving local stations were affected as the emergency response continued. The supplied report does not state when the railway lines reopened, how long the disruption lasted or whether alternative travel arrangements were put in place.
Police say death is not being treated as suspicious
British Transport Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious. The force also said a file would be prepared for the coroner, who will consider the circumstances surrounding the death.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
No name or other personal details about the person who died were released in the report. It also did not provide further information about the circumstances leading to the person being hit by the train.
Support available after the incident
Anyone affected by what happened, or struggling emotionally in its aftermath, can contact Samaritans free of charge on 116 123. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who needs someone to listen.
The report was published by Stroud Times and updated on October 23, 2026. It described the death as a tragic incident and confirmed that the disruption affected rail services linking the Swindon and Gloucester areas, including trains calling at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
