Passengers aboard a train that derailed in Cumbria initially feared a potential attack similar to one in Huntingdon over the weekend, a traveler confessed. The incident involving an Avanti West Coast service occurred near the village of Shap as the train struck mud left by a landslide at approximately 90mph early this morning. Following the derailment, around 85 passengers were safely evacuated to a nearby hotel with no reported injuries.
Rail and hotel staff are providing assistance to the affected passengers, offering alternative travel options while advising against using the rail network due to the expected closure for several days. The passengers experienced a moment of alarm due to recent events, with one relieved traveler, Matt Hood, describing the situation as initially concerning but later managed effectively by emergency services.
National Rail reported the disruption affecting trains between Carlisle and Preston due to the incident occurring between Penrith and Oxenholme. Avanti West Coast urged travelers not to venture north of Preston as all lines were blocked following the derailment. The Glasgow to London service derailment near Shap is anticipated to cause significant disruptions for several days on the network.
Affected passengers can use alternative routes with LNER, ScotRail, and CrossCountryUK following the derailed train incident. The British Transport Police confirmed the safe evacuation of the 85 passengers from the train, reassuring that emergency services are on-site to manage the situation. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander declared a major incident and emphasized ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers and close coordination with relevant authorities for further investigations and support.
