Three dead as train derails amid Thunderstorm

A passenger train derailed in Aberdeenshire killing three, the driver, conductor, and a passenger,  six peopled were rushed to nearby hospitals, but their injuries are not believed to be severe. The train hit a landslide after heavy rain and thunderstorms which caused flooding and travel disruption across Scotland. Thirty emergency services were rushed to the scene. 

The train had caught fire after rolling down a steep embankment.

Driver Brett McCullough and train conductor Donald Dinnie both lost their lives in the tragic incident on Wednesday.

The 06:38 ScotRail service from Aberdeen to  Glasgow Queen Street.

It is believed the driver apparently contacted control to ask permission to switch tracks and then reversed and switched to clearer tracks and continued on its route to Glasgow. It is taught the train hit a landslide and subsequently derailed.

An investigation has started by the UK’s Rail Accident Investigation branch. The trains’ computer systems should show the speed it was travelling at when it left the track. The last major derailment was in 2007 in Cumbria.

The Queen issued a message of condolence following the crash, saying “ It was with great sadness that I heard of the train derailment. The entire Royal Family join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have died and those who have been injured.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon  said “deepest condolences” to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the crash was especially shocking because “these accidents on the railways are thankfully so rare. Our thoughts are very much with those who have lost their lives and their families  and those  that have been injured in the derailment.” 

The train which derailed was made up of two locomotives at the front and back and four carriages.