The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday – Friday plus breaking news updates
Three people, including the driver, have been pronounced dead at the scene of the train derailment in Scotland.
Six further people have been taken to hospital, British Transport Police (BTP) said.
Officials declared a major incident after the train came off the tracks near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, on Wednesday morning. The cause is believed to be a landslip amid heavy rain and flooding.
The incident involved the 06:38 ScotRail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street.
Dozens of emergency service vehicles, including an air ambulance, were called to the scene.
Dramatic footage showed smoke billowing into the sky as the train reportedly burst into flames.
BTP said officers were called to the line at 9.43am.
“Very sadly despite the best efforts of paramedics, we can confirm that three people have been pronounced dead at the scene,” BTP said.
“While formal identification is yet to take place, the driver of the train is very sadly believed to have died. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
“Officers are continuing to work to inform the families of the other two people who sadly died.
“Six people have been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, which thankfully are not believed to be serious.”
Chief Superintendent Eddie Wylie, of BTP, added: “We remain on scene alongside our emergency service colleagues, and a major incident operation has been under way.
“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.”
Rail industry sources told PA news agency the suspected cause of the incident is a landslip.
They said the train stopped due to a landslip and moved back along the line when it crashed into another landslip.
The train comprised a locomotive and four carriages. It is understood the locomotive and three carriages derailed and slid down an embankment.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “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.”
The last time a train driver was killed in a crash on Britain’s railways was in Berkshire in November 2004, the Office of Rail and Road said.
Seven people died when a train collided with a car that had been deliberately driven on to a level crossing at Ufton Nervet.
