Three people, including the driver, have died after a train derailed near Stonehaven.
The ScotRail passenger service came off the rails in Aberdeenshire this morning, and emergency services remain at the scene.
British Transport Police (BTP) said they were called to the incident at 9:43am.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people were pronounced dead at the scene.
A statement from rail operators ScotRail said: “We are working closely and quickly with the emergency services on the incident near Stonehaven.
“British Transport Police has sadly confirmed three fatalities, including our own ScotRail driver, and multiple other injuries.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this tragic event. The railway in Scotland is often referred to as a family, and it’s one that is hurting today.
“We have teams on site and we will do all we can to support everyone affected.”
We can confirm that three people have very sadly died following a train derailment in #Stonehaven this morning.
Our thoughts are with them and their families following this tragic incident.
Full details here 👉 https://t.co/s0DivQU3su pic.twitter.com/dctVY5PGTn
— British Transport Police (@BTP) August 12, 2020
A BTP statement 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 added: “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.”
HM Chief Inspector of Railways Ian Prosser CBE, said: “We are saddened by today’s incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.
“ORR Inspectors are on site at Stonehaven, assisting in the preliminary investigation. We will work with other agencies, including the emergency services, to find out exactly what happened and identify the causes of this tragic incident.”
© Darrell Benns / DCT MediaFirst Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had lost their lives.
She tweeted: “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.”
“Devastating news for the bereaved and for those who were on the train”
FM @NicolaSturgeon on deaths of three people including the driver of the @scotrail train derailed near Stonehaven pic.twitter.com/iiiFyEe21E
— Glenn Campbell (@GlennBBC) August 12, 2020
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