LIVE UPDATES: Three people now confirmed dead in Stonehaven train derailment

It has been confirmed that three people have died and six others have been hospitalised after a train derailed near Stonehaven.

British Transport Police said one of the fatalities is believed to be the driver of the train, and although formal identification is yet to take place his family have been informed.

Officers are working to inform the families of the two other people who died.

Six others have been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries which are not believed to be serious.

BTP said: “Officers remain on scene this afternoon alongside the ambulance service, fire brigade and colleagues from Police Scotland.”

My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
I have just been updated by Network Rail and the emergency services on the ongoing operation. My thanks go to them, and my thoughts remain with everyone affected. https://t.co/L73rZTeRFu

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 12, 2020

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her condolences to families of those who died in the incident.

She said: “My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

“I have just been updated by Network Rail and the emergency services on the ongoing operation. My thanks go to them, and my thoughts remain with everyone affected.”

The ScotRail service came off the rails in Aberdeenshire on Wednesday morning.

It is thought the train was carrying twelve people – six staff and six passengers.

It was the 06.38 Aberdeen to Stonehaven, made up of a locomotive at each end and four carriages.

Earlier, emergency services and an air ambulance arrived at the scene where there was a lot of smoke coming out of the area where the railway track runs.

Emergency vehicles and an air ambulance in a field near to the railway. Smoke still billowing from the area. pic.twitter.com/LjE6ivbEEA

— Ben Philip (@BenPhilip_) August 12, 2020

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said at the time: “We currently have multiple resources in attendance at a train derailment near Stonehaven, including six ambulances, our Special Operations Response teams, air ambulance, patient transport vehicles and the SCOTSTAR emergency service.

“More information will follow when we have it.”