Two feared dead in Staffordshire light aircraft crash
remain shut around Stafford until about 2.30pm while overhead power lines were switched off. After this, Virgin services will be diverted via Birmingham and Wolverhampton, adding up to 40 minutes to journey times.
Virgin passengers can use their tickets to travel with other train operators today, or postpone their journeys until tomorrow, the spokesman said.
A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman said debris from the aircraft had fallen on the tracks and officers were at the scene.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "Emergency services are securing the site and Network Rail awaits clearance before repairs can be made. In the meantime services are not running between Rugby and Stafford. Where possible diversionary routes will be used.
"Passengers are advised to check with train operators to see how their services may be affected."
Rail operator London Midland, which runs trains from Birmingham to Liverpool and from Crewe to London's Euston station, suspended services around the affected area.
Replacement buses will run between Crewe and Rugby and between Wolverhampton and Crewe.
A London Midland spokesman said the diversions would remain in place for the rest of the day, and could have a knock-on effect into Saturday.
An instructor at the Microlight School, based in nearby Lichfield, said he was not aware of any incidents involving aircraft based there.
