Updated: Aug. 12, 2020, 4:46 p.m. BST
A train derailed on Wednesday morning in northeast Scotland, killing three people, including the train driver, police said.
“My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote on Twitter.
My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
I have just been updated by Network Rail and the emergency services on the ongoing operation. My thanks go to them, and my thoughts remain with everyone affected. https://t.co/L73rZTeRFu— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 12, 2020
British Transport Police were called to the line in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, at 09.43 a.m. (0843 GMT) on Wednesday morning following a report that a train travelling from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street had derailed.
“Very sadly despite the best efforts of paramedics, we can confirm that three people have been pronounced dead at the scene,” said a statement by British Transport Police.
“While formal identification is yet to take place, the driver of the train is very sadly believed to have died. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.”
“Six people have been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, which thankfully are not believed to be serious,” said the police.
Dark smoke was seen billowing from a woodland area at the bottom of a narrow valley near Stonehaven.
Over 30 emergency vehicles, including an air ambulance, were at the scene, BBC Scotland reported.
“I have just been updated by Network Rail and the emergency services on the ongoing operation,” said Sturgeon. “My thanks go to them, and my thoughts remain with everyone affected.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was saddened to learn of the “very serious incident” in Aberdeenshire and his thoughts were with all those affected.
I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected. My thanks to the emergency services at the scene.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 12, 2020
Reuters contributed to this report.
From The Epoch Times