Serious injures have been reported after a train derailed near Aberdeen, Scotland. At least one person has been killed, according to preliminary reports.
Around 30 ambulances were spotted near the accident site in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. Photographs show a massive plume of smoke rising from behind a hill, with emergency vehicles parked nearby.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the accident as an “extremely serious incident” and said she was being kept updated on developments, adding that her “thoughts are with those involved.”
Huge billowing black smoke from train on fire after derelailing near Stonehaven. pic.twitter.com/Rk01bS5RLI
Sturgeon said in an update that there are “early reports of serious injuries,” without going into details.
The train had four carriages, local media reported. Three of the wagons, as well as the locomotive, derailed and slid down an embankment.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a tweet that he was “saddened” to hear of the accident, and expressed his thanks to first responders at the scene.
The driver of the train was killed in the accident, according to The Scotsman.
British Transport Police confirmed the derailment and said they were responding to the incident.
#Scotland | A train has derailed near #Stonehaven after severe weather hit the area last night.There is a major emergency service response to the derailment, with several fire appliances and air ambulances at the scene. https://t.co/F8DrcIkM18pic.twitter.com/IUyzgSAa9R
“It is too early to confirm the exact nature and severity of the incident and more details will be made available once known,” Network Rail Scotland said in a tweet.
The area was reportedly hit with severe flooding, which may have contributed to the crash. Torrential rain the region had forced some schools to shutter, with flooding also disrupting regular rail services.
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