Major incident is declared after train derails in Cumbria

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 that so far ‘there are no reported 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.’

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.’

Avanti West Coast 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.’

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.