Several people are believed to be injured after a train derailed near Stonehaven, Scotland, following torrential rains and flooding.
More than 30 emergency vehicles, including an air ambulance, were called to the scene of the train derailment on Wednesday. At least one person is feared dead, according to the Telegraph. Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, described the derailment as an “extremely serious incident.”
“This is an extremely serious incident. I’ve had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved,” Sturgeon tweeted.
This is an extremely serious incident. I’ve had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved. https://t.co/veKAgMwZ36
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 12, 2020
Some unofficial reports on social media claimed that the train derailed and tumbled down an embankment. The region had suffered torrential rains and flooding earlier in the day on Wednesday, which may have contributed to the derailment.
Mick Lynch, the assistant general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, said the incident is under investigation, but the top priority for everyone involved is rescuing those aboard the train.
“RMT is aware of the major incident at Stonehaven, and our reps are liaising directly at senior level with both ScotRail and Network Rail,” Lynch said. “Our priority at this time is to support our members, their colleagues, and their families and to do all that we can to assist the rescue operation which RMT members are currently involved in.”
“The facts behind this incident will need to be established in due course, but at this stage, we are focused on support and assistance, and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy,” he added.
