Train derails in Cumbria near Shap – Major incident declared, no Injuries reported
Train
Emergency services have rushed to the scene of a train derailment near Shap, Cumbria, prompting Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to declare a major incident early Monday morning. The incident, which occurred between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District, has forced the complete shutdown of all rail lines in the area, causing widespread disruption for commuters across the North West of England.
According to officials, the derailment led to the immediate suspension of all services between Carlisle and Preston, with passengers advised to avoid traveling north of Preston for the remainder of the day. Despite the alarming nature of the event, there have been no reported injuries at this time.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed to LBC Radio that authorities are “working swiftly to ensure all passengers are safely evacuated.” She added, “I have been informed of this incident within the last hour. A major incident has been stood up, but thankfully, there are no reports of injury. I will remain in constant touch with the operating company and the Railway Accident Investigation Branch to oversee the situation.”
Swift Emergency Response
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) was among the first agencies to respond, deploying multiple emergency units to the scene. A spokesperson for the service stated, “Following reports of a train derailment near Shap, we have dispatched resources to assess the situation. Our priority is ensuring that anyone in need receives immediate medical help.”
Other emergency services, including local fire and rescue teams, as well as police officers, are also on the ground. Authorities confirmed they are working in coordination to stabilize the site and assess potential damage to the railway infrastructure.
The National Rail service issued a statement confirming that “all lines between Penrith and Oxenholme remain blocked,” and that the Transpennine Express line has also been affected. Passengers traveling between Carlisle and Preston are expected to face delays of up to 120 minutes, with some services canceled entirely.
Avanti West Coast Issues Travel Advisory
Train operator Avanti West Coast has taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to update passengers about the ongoing disruption. “Due to a derailed train between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District, all lines are blocked,” the company wrote. “We strongly advise customers not to travel north of Preston today.”
The company has since arranged rail replacement buses between Carlisle and Preston to assist stranded passengers.
Impact on Travel and Investigation Underway
National Rail has warned that major disruption is expected to continue throughout the day, as engineers and investigators assess the scene. The Railway Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has been notified and is expected to launch a formal investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.
Local residents reported heavy emergency presence around the Shap area, with roads near the tracks temporarily closed to facilitate rescue and recovery efforts.
The derailment adds to recent concerns about aging railway infrastructure and the need for improved maintenance across several UK routes. However, the quick response and absence of casualties have been praised as evidence of improved safety measures in the nation’s rail network.
As of press time, the scene remains secured while debris clearance and technical inspections continue. Authorities have pledged to restore normal train operations “as soon as it is safely possible.”
FAQs
1. Where did the Cumbria train derailment occur?
The incident took place near Shap, between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District in Cumbria.
2. Were there any injuries?
No injuries have been reported so far, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and emergency services.
3. Which train company was involved?
The train was operated by Avanti West Coast.
4. How is the government responding?
The Transport Secretary has declared a major incident and is in contact with the Railway Accident Investigation Branch to monitor developments.
5. What should travelers do?
Passengers are advised not to travel north of Preston, as rail services remain suspended. Replacement buses are in operation between Carlisle and Preston.