URGENT UPDATE: The West Coast Main Line is set to reopen following a dramatic train derailment involving an Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to London. The incident occurred on Monday morning when the train struck a landslide at 80 mph near the village of Shap, Cumbria, around 6:10 a.m.
Emergency services swiftly evacuated 85 passengers and train staff from the site, with reports confirming that four individuals sustained minor injuries. The affected train, which was operating a 4:28 a.m. service to Euston, derailed as it traversed the treacherous area, prompting extensive emergency response efforts.
Network Rail engineers worked diligently to restore the route, conducting necessary repairs to the overhead lines, tracks, and surrounding bankings. The damaged train has since been removed from the site, allowing for crucial repair work to proceed.
Phil James, North West Route Director for Network Rail, expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience during this challenging disruption, stating, “Our teams have worked extremely hard in very challenging conditions to make sure the West Coast Main Line can be reopened to the public as soon as possible.”
The first services to resume will be the overnight Caledonian Sleeper trains. Passengers are advised to stay updated by checking the Avanti West Coast website and National Rail enquiries for the latest travel information.
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, thanked customers for their understanding and praised the efforts of emergency services and railway staff. He emphasized the importance of keeping abreast of travel updates, stating, “The advice remains that we strongly advise customers continue to check for the latest travel updates.”
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rail services in the UK, particularly in severe weather conditions. The reopening of the West Coast Main Line is a significant development for commuters and travelers alike, marking a return to normalcy on one of the country’s busiest rail routes.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops and services resume.
