A ScotRail HST has derailed near Stonehaven, with serious injuries confirmed by SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon.
A coach was on fire, with smoke visible in the valley.
The train involved was 1T08 0638 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street. ScotRail has now confirmed that they are assisting emergency services with an ongoing incident
The British Transport Police has confirmed that they are in attendance to an ongoing incident, with three people now sadly being pronounced dead at the scene, with one of them believed to be the train driver.
The BTP say that officers were called to a train derailment at 9:43 am and remain there alongside Fire, Police and Ambulance.
Ben Philip has shared the following video showing Air Ambulance, Ambulance, Police and Fire in attendance, with smoke coming from the incident.
A major emergency service response to a train derailment near Stonehaven. An air ambulance is in attendance. A lot of smoke is coming out of the tree line where the railway track runs. Ambulances arriving by the minute. https://t.co/LcOYUnlF8m pic.twitter.com/rioaSUUN94
— Ben Philip (@BenPhilip_) August 12, 2020
Here are the updates as they come in:
12th August 2020 at 16:10
BREAKING
The British Transport Police has confirmed that 3 people have sadly died in this accident.
Formal identification has yet to take place, but the driver of the train is believed to be one of those that have died.
Six people have been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, which are not believed to be serious.
Chief Superintendent Eddie Wylie said: “This is a tragic incident and first and foremost our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have very sadly died this morning.
“We remain on scene alongside our emergency service colleagues, and a major incident operation has been underway. I would like to reassure the public that this was not a busy service, and from CCTV enquiries and witness statements we believe all passengers have been accounted for. However, once the area has been made safe then a full and thorough search will be conducted, which is likely to take some time.
“I know many people will understandably have questions, and we will be working closely alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail and Road to establish the full circumstances of how the train came to derail.”
12th August 2020 at 16:08
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have released the following statement:
“We were alerted at 9.47 am on Wednesday, August 12 to reports of an incident involving a train near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. Operations Control mobilised 12 appliances and specialist resources to the scene as part of a multi-agency response. Crews presently remain in attendance.”
12th August 2020 at 15:45
NHS Grampian has set up a Welcome Centre, and worried family and friends should phone 01224 319519
12th August 2020 at 14:22
The first patient has arrived at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, after help from the Coastguard Helicopter.
12th August 2020 at 14:19
The RAIB has confirmed that the train involved consisted of 6 vehicles, which confirms that one of ScotRail’s Inter7city HSTs was involved.
12th August 2020 at 14:15
Sky News are reporting that the driver has sadly died in the accident, and are also reporting a second fatality (according to the PA News Agency)
12th August 2020 at 13:45
RAIB investigators are on route to the incident
12th August 2020 at 13:20
ScotRail has said that disruption and cancellations between Edinburgh / Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen will last until the end of service on Thursday 13th August 2020
12th August 2020 at 12:50
Richard Clinnick has shared this picture, believed to be from the scene of the accident:
Seen this pic a lot. Wasn’t planning to share it, but I have been tagged a lot. Thoughts to all involved. https://t.co/GkbjRw3ghN
— Richard Clinnick (@Richard_rail) August 12, 2020
12th August 2020 at 12:41
UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has tweeted a statement regarding the incident
I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected. My thanks to the emergency services at the scene.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 12, 2020
12th August 2020 at 12:38
The following image has been shared on Twitter showing damage to a bridge, with a HST Powercar in shot
Live: Reports of serious injuries after train derails south of Stonehaven https://t.co/u5gr6M9myF pic.twitter.com/f3nAUbpbeI
— Evening Express (@EveningExpress) August 12, 2020
12th August 2020 at 12:30
On First Minister Questions, Nicola Sturgeon has also confirmed that they are serious injuries:
“Although details are still emerging, I am afraid to say there are reports of serious injuries. My immediate thoughts are with those involved.”
12th August 2020 at 12:20
Nicola Sturgeon has released the following statement:
“This is an extremely serious incident. I’ve had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved.”
12th August 2020 at 12:17
Grant Shapps has been briefed regarding this incident
Just met urgently with @networkrail for a briefing on Stonehaven derailment. British Transport Police & Network Rail are on location, along with rail workers who were nearby. The UK Government will provide every support. My thoughts are with those involved and their families.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) August 12, 2020
12th August 2020 at 12:13
Network Rail Scotland has issued the following statement:
“We are working alongside the emergency services to respond to an incident involving a train near Stonehaven. It is too early to confirm the exact nature and severity of the incident and more details will be made available once known.”
12th August 2020 at 12:10
The RMT has issued a statement regarding the ongoing incident
Senior Assistant General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “RMT is aware of the major incident at Stonehaven and our reps are liaising directly at senior level with both ScotRail and Network Rail.
“Our priority at this time is to support our members, their colleagues and their families and to do all that we can to assist the rescue operation which RMT members are currently involved in.
“The facts behind this incident will need to be established in due course but at this stage we are focussed on support and assistance and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy.”
12th August 2020 at 11:57
Another video has been shared on Twitter showing the smoke billowing from the train
Huge billowing black smoke from train on fire after derelailing near Stonehaven. pic.twitter.com/Rk01bS5RLI
— Chris Harvey (@ChristopherHarv) August 12, 2020
12th August 2020 at 11:55
ScotRail has confirmed ticket acceptance is in place with LNER, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry
12th August 2020 at 11:45
Coastguard have now joined in the rescue operation
12th August 2020 at 11:30
ScotRail has confirmed they are assisting emergency services with an ongoing incident.
We’re assisting the emergency services with an incident near Stonehaven and will provide more information when available.
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) August 12, 2020
12th August 2020 at 11:20
Lots of emergency services heading to the incident
Some amount of sirens went up the back of my house in Stonehaven presumably to attend to this. Must have been upwards of 15 emergency vehicles.
— Brian (@Stoneysnapper) August 12, 2020
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Responses
Could be Scotland’s worst rail accident. Not going to cause outrage or arguments but I do feel very devastated by it. 🤍😢
no it wont as the polmont disaster i think killed about 14 when a cow was hit by a loco after some one broke the track side fence .i think this was in the 1980s but any loss of life s tragic rest in peace those who died and condolences to all bereaved
Quintinshill was the worst with 226 lives lost.
my thoughts go out to all those on the Stonehaven train incident and those who have been lost it is sad times i believe that the power cars involved are 43030 and the leading power car is 43140 i may be wrong.
Ahhh Dear, So sorry to hear what happened up in the North of the Border.
My heart goes out to the 3 respecitve families of the poor, poor 3 victims of this unexpected Shock Rail Accident near Stonehaven – of whom I Believe is also near Aberdeen.
This isn’t the first time A Rail Accident involving A High Speed 125 unexpectedly occured though… Southall in 1997, Paddington in 1999 and that Level Crossing fatality in 2004.
I do hope the 6 injured passengers fully recover, along with the line ‘the shock rail accident occured’ eventually reopened and of course the 125 Train also be repaired and running too.
Again, My heart goes out to those affected, the families of those 3 who unexpectedly lost their lives and to the other 6 of whom injured… Not to mention the Brave Heroic Medical Skills of the Emergency Services up in the exact part of the North of the Border.
I wonder what cause this unexpected shock rail accident.
“SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon”
Whilst technically correct, she is also the democratically elected First Minister if Scotland, which transcends party. So you are either devaluing the position of First Minister or the person in that position. You would call Boris Johnson “Tory Leader”
Heart goes out to all involved hopefully no life’s are lost if so heart is with their families at this extremely difficult time.
Seen the tweet on Richard Clinnick’s Twitter feed about the train derailment. Hope everyone is ok. Might be weather related but not going to cause any speculation. As I’m hearing it on Sky News on TV.