Mum dies in train accident tragedy whilst out walking her dog

A much-loved mum was hit by a train as she was out walking her dog in what is believed to be a tragic accident. Jan Mullen, 54, was attempting to cross the railway line in the village of Parbold, in West Lancashire not far from Wigan with her dog Fred who was off the lead.

However as she walked over the foot crossing a train came around the corner and struck her. Emergency services raced to the scene following the collision at around 7:25pm. But physiotherapist Jan, a mum to two girls, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The speed limit for trains at the location where Jan was hit is 60mph. The inquest heard that the driver had attempted to apply the brakes but didn't have enough time to avoid hitting Jan.

READ MORE: 'Shouts' heard in horror stabbing incident as parents picked children up from school

An inquest held at Preston Coroner's Court heard that there was no evidence that Jan had intended to end her own life and that her death was most likely a tragic accident, Lancs Live reports.

Returning a conclusion of misadventure, Area Coroner Kate Bisset said: "Jan Elizabeth Mullen died on April 25, 2024, at Chapel Lane, Parbold, from injuries she sustained having been struck by a moving train. Mrs Mullen was out walking her dog when she stepped onto the tracks shortly after the train had rounded a corner."

Although Jan's death was an accident in the normal sense of the word a conclusion of misadventure was deemed to be more accurate than one of accidental death. Misadventure is used when a death is the unintended consequence of an intended act -and Jan had intended to cross the railway tracks but did not intend to be hit by a train.

Jan's husband, Dr Daryl Mullen who is a partner at Parbold Surgery, had said he