London (Metro Rail News): Three people have died with seven others injured in a train accident in Britain. The injured were taken to hospital after a ScotRail passenger train derailed near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, today. While formal identification is yet to take place, the driver of the train is believed to have died.
British Transport Police have said three people were pronounced dead at the scene and six more have been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, which are not believed to be serious.
Police say the driver’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
BTP 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.”
“I would like to reassure the public that this was not a busy service and from CCTV inquiries and witness statements we believe all passengers have been accounted for” He said.
Rail industry sources said the suspected cause of the incident is a landslip, following heavy rain in the area overnight.
The train involved was the 06.38 Aberdeen to Stonehaven, made up of a locomotive and four carriages.
It is understood that the locomotive and three carriages derailed, and slid down an embankment.
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain said he was “saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire” and thanked emergency services at the scene.
Photos show at least seven ambulances, an air ambulance and police in attendance, and smoke rising from the train.
Emergency services were called just before 10am and around 30 emergency service vehicles are now reportedly at the scene.
