Three people have been pronounced dead at the scene after a train derailed near Aberdeen, Scotland. Around 30 ambulances were spotted near the accident site in Stonehaven.
Photographs show a massive plume of smoke rising from behind a hill, with emergency vehicles parked nearby.
“Very sadly despite the best efforts of paramedics, we can confirm that three people have been pronounced dead at the scene,” British Transport Police said in a statement. The driver of the train was among the fatalities and six other people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Huge billowing black smoke from train on fire after derelailing near Stonehaven. pic.twitter.com/Rk01bS5RLI
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier 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.”
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.
#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
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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