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A major incident has been declared after a train derailed in Cumbria, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said.
North West Ambulance Service has dispatched paramedics to the scene in Shap, which is on the West Coast Main Line, following reports a train had come off the rails between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District stations this morning.
All lines are blocked between Penrith and Oxenholme, with disruption expected until the end of the day.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said they are assessing the incident.
Other emergency services personnel are also at the scene, the trust said.
The Transport Secretary told LBC Radio and BBC Radio 4 that ‘at the moment, it appears there are no injuries’.
She said: ‘I have been informed of this incident within the last half an hour or so. I know that a major incident has been stood up. There are no reported injuries.
‘We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the train safely. I will be remaining in constant touch with the train operating company and the railway accident investigation branch.’
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Ms Alexander said her officials are in touch with train operating companies Avanti West Coast and Network Rail and the rail accident investigation branch.
‘I will remain in touch with all the appropriate authorities to make sure this situation comes to a safe conclusion and that we understand exactly what caused this to happen in the first place,’ she added.
Emergency services have been called to a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria, North West Ambulance Service said (stock image)
The NWAS full statement said: ‘Following reports of a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.
‘We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
‘Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.’
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: ‘At 6.10am today, November 3, the 0428 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston was reported to have derailed at Shap in Cumbria.
‘Our priority is the wellbeing of everyone who was board and getting them safely off the train. We are assisting emergency services who are on the scene.
‘As a result, all lines are blocked north of Preston. Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today.
‘We’ll provide further information in due course, but it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days.’
Avanti West Coast said earlier on social media all lines are blocked between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District due to the derailment, adding: ‘We are strongly advising customers not to travel north of Preston today.’
The train firm added that services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 120 minutes but rail replacement buses are operating between Carlisle and Preston.
Posts on X from National Rail said the Transpennine Express line has been impacted.
National Rail said: ‘Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day.
‘A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked. Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled.’
This is a breaking news story… More to follow.
