A significant incident has been declared following a train derailment in Cumbria, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
Emergency services have rushed to Shap, located on the West Coast Main Line, after the Avanti West Coast service departing Glasgow at 4:28 a.m. derailed at approximately 6:10 a.m. The train was en route to Euston.
The derailment occurred between the Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District stations, leading to a complete blockage of all lines between these stops. Disruptions are anticipated to continue throughout the day.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is currently assessing the situation, with additional emergency teams present at the location.
Photographs reveal the train positioned between two tracks, showing considerable damage to its front section.
The site of the accident poses access challenges due to the elevated nature of the railway line.
Network Rail has confirmed that there are no reports of injuries and the 130 passengers onboard have now been escorted off the train three hours after it came off the tracks.
The Transport Secretary also told LBC Radio and BBC Radio 4 that ‘at the moment, it appears there are no injuries’.
She said: ‘I have been informed of this incident within the last half an hour or so. I know that a major incident has been stood up. There are no reported injuries.
‘We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the train safely. I will be remaining in constant touch with the train operating company and the railway accident investigation branch.’
Were YOU on the train? Email freya.barnes@dailymail.co.uk
Images show the train in between two separate tracks with significant damage to the front on the vehicle
Emergency services have been dispatched to the scene in Shap, which is on the West Coast Main Line, after the 4.28am Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston was reported to have come off the rails at 6.10am
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Ms Alexander said her officials are in touch with train operating companies Avanti West Coast and Network Rail and the rail accident investigation branch.
‘I will remain in touch with all the appropriate authorities to make sure this situation comes to a safe conclusion and that we understand exactly what caused this to happen in the first place,’ she added.
The derailed train was due to stop in Oxenholme Lake District before it came off the tracks near Shap this morning.
It was scheduled to make stops in Oxenholme Lake District, Lancaster, Preston, Wigan North Western and Warrington Bank Quay before terminating at London Euston at 9.15am.
In a post on X, Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and former Liberal Democrat leader, said: ‘I’m deeply concerned to hear the news coming out of Shap this morning.
‘My thoughts are with everyone on board the train and the emergency service workers who are now on the scene.’
The NWAS full statement said: ‘Following reports of a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.
‘We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
‘Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.’
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: ‘At 6.10am today, November 3, the 0428 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston was reported to have derailed at Shap in Cumbria.
‘Our priority is the wellbeing of everyone who was board and getting them safely off the train. We are assisting emergency services who are on the scene.
‘As a result, all lines are blocked north of Preston. Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today.
‘We’ll provide further information in due course, but it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days.’
The derailing happened between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District stations, with all lines between the two stops now blocked causing disruptions expected to last until the end of the day
Pictured: The raised train track in Shep, Cumbria, where the Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston came of the tracks on Monday morning
Avanti West Coast said earlier on social media all lines are blocked between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District due to the derailment, adding: ‘We are strongly advising customers not to travel north of Preston today.’
The train firm added that services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 120 minutes but rail replacement buses are operating between Carlisle and Preston.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: ‘We’re investigating a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria following a report by a train driver. There are no reports of injuries and we’re working to safely move the passengers off the train. We will provide further updates as soon as we can.
‘At present, we’re unable to run trains between Preston and Carlisle. We’re urging passengers to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries for the latest information.
‘We’re very sorry to those whose journeys have been impacted this morning and appreciate your patience while we work to reopen the line. Our top priority is the safety of passengers and staff on the West Coast Main Line.’
Earlier posts on X from National Rail said the Transpennine Express line has been impacted.
The post said: ‘Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day.
‘A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked. Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled.’
British Transport Police said in a statement on social media: ‘Officers were called at 6.15am today to reports of a train derailment near Shap, Cumbria.
‘Thankfully, there are no reported casualties and passengers have been safely escorted from the train.
‘Officers remain on scene alongside emergency services responding to the incident.’
This is a breaking news story… More to follow.
