A derailed high-speed train in Cumbria “struck a landslide” at 80mph with dozens of passengers on board, according to Network Rail.
Four of the eighty-seven people on board suffered minor injuries when the 4.28am Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston came off the tracks near the village of Shap on Monday morning.
Network Rail said the front coach of the 11-carriage service derailed at about 6.15am during severe weather conditions and while it was still dark.
Sam MacDougall, Network Rail operations director, said early indications suggested the train had hit a landslide at around 80mph, although investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
He added that all customers had now been “safely taken forward to their onward destinations by replacement road transport”.
Passenger James Burrow told the BBC there was “a flash and a bang”, while Campbell Watson described how he was awoken by “a big jolt” and “a real big screech” when the train derailed.
In an update, North West Ambulance Service confirmed the major incident declared earlier had been stood down, but added that a recovery operation at the scene remains ongoing.
Train firm Avanti West Coast said all lines were blocked after the incident and warned “it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days”.
Key Points
- Derailed train in Cumbria 'struck a landslide at 80mph'
- Four people suffer minor injuries after 87 passengers assessed
- Avanti warns travel chaos could last days
- Passenger awoken by 'big jolt and screech' when train derailed in Cumbria
- Train derailment in Cumbria no longer major incident but operation remains at scene
Incident likely to cause disruption 'for number of days', Avanti West Coast warns
15:30 , Tara CobhamThe incident is likely to cause disruption “for a number of days”, Avanti West Coast said.
Andy Mellors, managing director for Avanti West Coast, said: “Our main priority is the safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues following this serious incident.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude for the actions of our colleagues onboard which has been warmly received and appreciated by customers.
“I would also like to thank our staff who responded, the emergency services, Network Rail and the local hotel who laid on facilities for everyone onboard.
“We are now ensuring we provide support to those affected.”
Shap Parish Council chair 'not surprised' there was a landslide
15:00 , Tara CobhamThe Shap Parish Council chairwoman has said she is “not surprised” that there was a landslide that hit the derailed train.
Jean Jackson said the rain in Cumbria has been “exceptionally bad” recently, and there are steep slopes next to the railway line.
Full story: Four people hurt as train derails after hitting landslide at 80mph
14:40 , Tara Cobham
Four people hurt as train derails after hitting landslide at 80mph
Swinney calls for 'detailed' investigation into train derailment in Cumbria
14:20 , Tara CobhamScotland’s First Minister John Swinney has called for a “detailed” investigation into the train derailment in Cumbria.
Stressing that “rail travel is normally a very safe way of travel”, he said that “when these incidents happen, they are matters of enormous concern and require detailed investigation”.
Passenger describes 'thud' before derailed Cumbria train 'rocked and tilted'
14:00 , Tara CobhamA passenger has said that “there was a thud, the train rocked and tilted before coming to a stop” in Cumbria.
Rebecca McCarthy told the BBC: “Passengers closer to the front told me they had seen white flashes of light and heard a huge bang."
She described the train crew as "fantastic, bringing round drinks and snacks keeping us all informed".
The 54-year-old added: "All the passengers stayed calm and we did exactly what we were told. Some with flights to catch were evacuated first, which everyone supported.
"I'm very grateful to the crew and emergency services.
"The train manager said it was the reactions of the driver that prevented this from being more serious."
Train passengers face delays of up to two hours or cancellations
13:40 , Tara CobhamNetwork Rail has warned train passengers face delays of up to two hours or cancellations.
It said on social media: “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.”
❗️#Penrith - Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) November 3, 2025
ℹ️ 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.
Weather conditions in Cumbria when train derailed were 'appalling', Network Rail says
13:26 , Tara CobhamThe weather conditions in Cumbria when the train derailed were “appalling”, Network Rail has said.
Sam MacDougall, Network Rail operations director, said the emergency services and the Network Rail staff “worked in extremely challenging terrain and appalling weather conditions this morning”.
Derailed train in Cumbria 'struck a landslide at 80mph'
13:00 , Tara CobhamThe derailed train in Cumbria struck a landslide at 80mph, according to Network Rail.
Eighty-seven people, including 10 members of staff, were on board the 4.28am Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston when it came off the tracks near the village of Shap on Monday morning.
Network Rail said the front coach of the 11-carriage service derailed at about 6.15am during severe weather conditions and while it was still dark.
Sam MacDougall, Network Rail operations director, said early indications suggested the train had hit a landslide.
He said: “We believe the train was travelling at approximately 80 miles an hour at the point of collision and then stopped very quickly thereafter.”
Mr MacDougall added: “On arrival of the emergency services and the Network Rail staff, all of whom worked in extremely challenging terrain and appalling weather conditions this morning, all persons on board the train were safely removed and brought to a nearby reception centre.
“By 10.40 this morning, all customers had been safely taken forward to their onward destinations by replacement road transport.
“Our attention now turns to investigating the cause and recovering the railway as quickly as we can.”
Avanti West Coast warns 'all lines are blocked north of Preston'
12:45 , Tara CobhamAvanti West Coast has warned that “all lines are blocked north of Preston” due to the derailed train in Cumbria.
“Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today,” it advised passengers. “We will continue to update our website with further information, but it is likely there will be a significant disruption to our network for a number of days.”
⚠️All lines are blocked north of Preston due to a derailed train between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District. Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today.
— Avanti West Coast (@AvantiWestCoast) November 3, 2025
We will continue to update our website with further information, but it is likely there will be a…
Network Rail says work is still ongoing to confirm cause of incident
12:30 , Tara CobhamNetwork Rail has said work is still ongoing to confirm the cause of the train derailment in Cumbria.
In an update, it said: “The incident followed a suspected landslip in the area, which has been experiencing significant adverse weather conditions, and extremely heavy rainfall continues to compound the issue.
“Our dedicated teams are working to get trains back up and running as quickly as we can.
“We are working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the cause of the derailment.”
Swinney says derailment would have been 'terrifying' for those involved
12:15 , Tara CobhamScotland’s First Minister John Swinney said the derailment would have been a “terrifying experience” for those involved.
He said he was “very concerned” about the derailment of the Avanti train, which had been travelling from Glasgow to London on Monday.
Stressing that “rail travel is normally a very safe way of travel”, the First Minister told the PA news agency that “when these incidents happen, they are matters of enormous concern and require detailed investigation”.
He added: “On the information that I have available to me just now, there do not appear to have been any injuries for the passengers who were on the train, but this will have been an absolutely terrifying experience to have witnessed, so it’s important that all support is in place for everyone that’s affected.”
Mr Swinney also said the Scottish Government was in touch with the UK Government “about the steps that are being taken to investigate the incident and also to support those affected”.
Derailed high-speed train 'struck a landslide' in Cumbria with dozens of passengers on board
11:54 , Tara CobhamA derailed high-speed train “struck a landslide” in Cumbria with dozens of passengers on board.
A spokesperson for Network Rail, which is investigating the incident, said in an update: “Early indications would suggest that the train has struck a landslide just north of where it now stands.
“The train design has worked extremely well. The vehicles remained upright, albeit the leading vehicle derailed.”
Train 'struck a landslide' before derailing
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 3, 2025
Network Rail says early indications suggest the train struck a landslide before it derailed.https://t.co/G8gDzyqv3Q
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/W0vQfVySYV
Watch: Network Rail issue update on Cumbria train derailment
11:45 , Tara CobhamUnion TSSA warns of 'significant' travel disruption in days ahead
11:30 , Tara CobhamRail union TSSA has warned of “significant” travel disruption over the upcoming days.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA – which represents many members both at Avanti and Network Rail – said: “There will be significant disruption in the days ahead on the West Coast Mainline, but our members know this is necessary so we can have answers and better understand what led to this incident in Cumbria.”
Rail union describes train derailments as 'troubling and dangerous' as it calls for 'thorough' investigation
11:26 , Tara CobhamRail union TSSA has described train derailments as “always troubling and extremely dangerous” as it called for a “thorough” investigation into the incident in Cumbria.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA – which represents many members both at Avanti and Network Rail – said: “The derailment of the Avanti West Coast train near Shap is very serious and will require thorough investigation.
“It’s always troubling and extremely dangerous when a train leaves the track under any circumstances.”
The union also praised the emergency services, including British Transport Police.
Passenger awoken by 'big jolt and screech' when train derailed in Cumbria
11:17 , Tara CobhamA passenger has described how he was awoken by “a big jolt” and “a real big screech” when the train derailed in Cumbria.
Campbell Watson told BBC Radio Cumbria: “I was sleeping and there was a big jolt on the train, a real big screech and then all of a sudden the train came to a stop and the power went off.”
Around 20 minutes later, staff told passengers that heavy rain over the weekend had caused a landslide, which the train had hit.
“It was a very shocking experience,” Mr Watson said, as he made his way back to Scotland on a coach.
“I think the best part about it was the driver and his 30 years of experience. I think he was a bit shook up, but he did a good job [keeping everyone safe].”
Pictured: Police maintain road block near scene in Cumbria
11:10 , Tara Cobham
Watch: Network Rail issues update from scene as investigations continue
11:09 , Tara Cobhamℹ️ We are continuing investigations into a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria.
— West Coast Main Line (@networkrailWCML) November 3, 2025
💬 Doug is part of the team on the ground investigating and he has provided an update from trackside.
📲 Services are disrupted. Please check @nationalrailenq for updated travel information. pic.twitter.com/4UQqdiwdk0
Passenger describes 'flash and bang' with staff blaming 'landslide' for derailment
10:47 , Tara CobhamA passenger on board the train when it derailed in Cumbria has described there being “a flash and a bang”, with staff blaming a “landslide” for the incident.
James Burrow told the BBC: “People were confused but calm. At first, we thought a car or something had hit the train.”
At 8.50am, he said he was escorted off the train and taken to a local hotel. He added that he has now cancelled his plans to go to Birmingham, but other passengers were getting coaches to Preston.
Train derailment in Cumbria no longer major incident but operation remains at scene
10:36 , Tara CobhamNorth West Ambulance Service has confirmed the train derailment in Cumbria is no longer a major incident.
It said in an update: “We can now confirm that we have stood down from major incident status and are withdrawing resources from the scene.”
However, it added: “An operation remains in place with our partners as they continue to recover the scene.”
Four people suffer minor injuries after 87 passengers assessed
10:35 , Tara CobhamFour people have suffered minor injuries in the train derailment in Cumbria.
North West Ambulance Service said 87 passengers were assessed in total.
“No one required further hospital treatment, and all were discharged from the nearby rest centre,” it said in an update.
Network Rail reveals train driver reported derailment as operator investigates incident
10:30 , Tara CobhamNetwork Rail has revealed it was the train driver who reported the derailment in Cumbria.
It said it is investigating the incident.
Pictured: Train derailed in Cumbria
10:17 , Tara CobhamNetwork Rail has shared the first photograph of the train derailed in Cumbria.
⚠️ We are investigating a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria.
— West Coast Main Line (@networkrailWCML) November 3, 2025
🚫 As a result, we are unable to run trains between Preston and Carlisle.
💬 We’re sorry to passengers affected by this morning’s disruption.
📲 Please check @nationalrailenq for the latest travel information. pic.twitter.com/mHKihnLEEk
Explained: Will my train be cancelled following Cumbria derailment?
10:00 , Tara CobhamHere’s everything to know about rail cancellations and your refund rights as Avanti predicts “significant disruption to our network for a number of days”.
Full story: Major incident declared as train derails in Cumbria
09:51 , Tara Cobham
Mapped: Train derails between Penrith and Oxenholme stations
09:20 , Tara CobhamPassengers all safely escorted from derailed train in Cumbria
09:18 , Tara CobhamPassengers have been safely escorted from a train after it derailed in Cumbria, British Transport Police has confirmed.
Emergency services are working at the scene, but there are no reported injuries.
Officers were called at 6.15am today to reports of a train derailment in near Shap, Cumbria.
— British Transport Police (@BTP) November 3, 2025
Thankfully, there are no reported casualties and passengers have been safely escorted from the train.
Officers remain on scene alongside emergency services responding to the incident.
No casualties reported following Cumbria train derailment, police say
09:10 , Tara CobhamPolice have confirmed no casualties have been reported following the train derailment in Cumbria.
British Transport Police said in a statement on social media: “Officers were called at 6.15am today to reports of a train derailment near Shap, Cumbria.
“Thankfully, there are no reported casualties and passengers have been safely escorted from the train.
“Officers remain on scene alongside emergency services responding to the incident.”
Avanti warns travel chaos could last days
08:57 , Tara CobhamAvanti West Coast has warned “it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days” following the train derailment near Shap in Cumbria.
A spokesperson for the train firm said: “At 06.10hrs today, 3 November, 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.”
Transport secretary says there are no reported injuries after a major incident was declared
08:34 , Tara CobhamThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
A major incident has been declared following a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria, the transport secretary has said, but confirmed there are so far no reported injuries.
Speaking to LBC Radio, Heidi Alexander added: "I have been informed of this incident within the last half-an-hour or so.
“We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the train safely.”
Local MP Tim Farron 'deeply concerned' over incident
08:33 , Tara CobhamMP for Westmorland & Lonsdale Tim Farron said he is “deeply concerned” to hear news of the train derailment near Shap.
In a post on X on Monday morning, he said: “I’m deeply concerned to hear the news coming out of Shap this morning. My thoughts are with everyone on board the train and the emergency service workers who are now on the scene.”
I’m deeply concerned to hear the news coming out of Shap this morning. My thoughts are with everyone on board the train and the emergency service workers who are now on the scene.
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) November 3, 2025
Last time train derailed in Cumbria a woman was killed
08:28 , Tara CobhamThe last time a train derailed in Cumbria 18 years ago a woman was killed.
An express train derailed at 95mph and plunged down an embankment on the West Coast mainline on 24 February 2007, leaving scores of passengers trapped in overturned carriages and Margaret Masson, 84, dead.
Four carriages left the track and slid 40ft down a steep embankment into a field after the London Euston to Glasgow Central Virgin Pendolino tilting train left the track in remote countryside at Greyrigg, north of Kendal in Cumbria.
The driver and up to eight of the train's 180 passengers were trapped in carriages. One person was killed and 100 were injured. The crash occurred as the train, the 5.15pm service from Euston, left a twisty section of track north of Kendal at 8.16am and entered the drop into the Tebay gorge.
Derailed train believed to be 4.28am Glasgow to London service
08:20 , Tara CobhamThe Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
The derailed train is believed to be the 4.28am Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow Central to London Euston.
It is last shown as being at Shap at 6.10am.
Emergency services working to evacuate people from train - minister
08:13 , Tom BarnesTransport Secretary Heidi Alexander said work would be carried out swiftly to get people off the derailed train in Cumbria but there are no reported injuries.
She told LBC Radio: “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.”
Major incident declared after train derailment, minister says
08:05 , Tom BarnesTransport Secretary Heidi Alexander said a major incident had been declared following a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria but “there are no reported injuries”.
Ambulance service issues update
07:59 , Tom BarnesNorth West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said it had sent paramedics to the scene near the village of Shap, which is on the West Coast Main Line.
In a statement, NWAS 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.”
All lines are blocked, says rail firm
07:57 , Tom BarnesRail firm Avanti West Coast has advised customers against travel north of Preston today after a train derailed in Cumbria.
The company said on social media: “Due to a derailed train between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District, all lines are blocked. We are strongly advising customers not to travel north of Preston today.”
Emergency services called to train derailment in Cumbria
07:55 , Tom BarnesEmergency services have been called to a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria.
Train firm Avanti West Coast said all lines were blocked after the incident, which took place on the line between the stations of Penrith and Oxenholme.
It said on social media: “Due to a derailed train between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District, all lines are blocked. We are strongly advising customers not to travel north of Preston today.”
