A passenger train derailed near Stonehaven, about 15 kilometers south of Aberdeen. The train consisted of two locomotives and four carriages. One of the locomotives and three passenger cars are known to have derailed and are now standing on the embankment. At least one person died in the incident.
It is believed that the cause of the crash was flooding as a result of heavy rains, which triggered a landslide that knocked the train off the tracks.
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
At Carmont, we’ve had reports of a landslip, which means services can’t operate between Dundee & Aberdeen. / 2 pic.twitter.com/1E29tKHFhy
- Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) August 12, 2020
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his condolences: “I am saddened to learn of a very serious incident in Aberdeenshire, and I am mentally with everyone who was affected. I thank the emergency services at the scene."
The incident came after ScotRail canceled at least 200 trains, including express trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow, due to flooding and landslides on the lines. LNER, which operates flights between Inverness, Aberdeen and London.