A TRAIN driver electrocuted on a railway line near Runcorn is being treated in hospital for extensive burns.

He left the London bound Virgin train to investigate a problem when it is believed he touched a wire and was blown off his feet.

Two ambulances, a doctor, heart team, hazardous response specialists and two rapid response vehicles attended.

The driver is now being treated in the burns unit at Whiston Hospital.

A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “He had burns to his torso and was blown off his feet.

“He had 45-50 per cent burns to the right side of his body, his right leg, abdomen and chest.

“He is quite seriously ill.

“We sent a big response because in effecting a rescue there was a risk that emergency workers could have been injured.”

The ambulance service service received an emergency call at 7.17pm on Tuesday, September 23 that a person had been electrocuted on a railway line near Aston Lane on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate.

Around 150 passengers stranded on the 5.07pm train were evacuated by firefighters shortly after 9pm.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Investigations to date have revealed the driver had left the train at Sutton Weaver after finding the power lines had been damaged.

“Passengers on the affected train were removed from the carriages with the help of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and alternative travel was provided.

“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is now investigating the incident.”

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said: “Problems with the overhead power lines near Runcorn led to a train being stranded with around 150 people on board.

“Coaches were placed on standby and evacuation began just after 9pm when it was safe to do with a view to getting customers to their destinations.

“Unfortunately as a result of this incident the train driver was injured whilst carrying out his duty to protect passengers. He was taken to hospital where he continues his recovery.”