Major Disruption as Train Derails Following Suspected Landslip
A Glasgow-to-London service derailed in the early hours of Sunday morning, reportedly after striking a landslip, causing widespread disruption on the West Coast Mainline that is expected to last for several days.
The 04:28 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow Central to London Euston came off the tracks at Shap in Cumbria at 06:10 GMT. Lines north of Preston and south of Carlisle were immediately blocked, leaving passengers stranded on either side of the incident.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that 87 people, including staff, were on board. Four sustained minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.
An Avanti spokesperson warned: “It is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days.” The derailment has also affected TransPennine Express services that use the same stretch of line.
Passengers described a dramatic and frightening experience. James Burrow, who was on the train, recalled: “There was a flash and a bang, and staff quickly informed us the train had derailed. I was escorted off at around 08:50 to the nearby Shap Wells Hotel. People were confused but calm.”
He added a moment of human courage stood out: “At first we thought a car had hit the train. I was taking a picture when a man said, ‘I was driving that.’ He’s kind of a hero really—it could have been a lot worse.” Passengers were later transferred onto two coaches, one heading to London and the other returning to Scotland.
Campbell Watson, from Glasgow, told BBC Radio Cumbria: “I was asleep and then there was a big jolt, a real screech, and suddenly the train stopped and the power went out. It was a very shocking experience.”
Network Rail confirmed a landslip had occurred near Shap but said it was still investigating whether this caused the derailment. BBC Weather presenter Helen Willetts highlighted the heavy rainfall over the weekend in Cumbria, noting that 77.4mm of rain had fallen in three days—over a third of the month’s expected total.
Local residents were unsurprised by the incident. Shap Parish Council chairman Jean Jackson said: “The rain is phenomenal. With the steep slopes next to the railway, a landslip is not unexpected.” A similar incident on this stretch of track caused delays last year.
Network Rail’s operations director Sam MacDougall described Cumbria’s combination of heavy rainfall and challenging topography as a “specific operational challenge.”
Services Disrupted
Disruption is expected until at least the end of Monday. Key impacts include:
Avanti West Coast southbound services from Edinburgh or Glasgow Central to London Euston cancelled
Avanti northbound trains from London terminating at Preston
ScotRail and some Avanti services operating as far south as Carlisle
TransPennine Express services from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Liverpool or Manchester running only to Carlisle; services from Liverpool or Manchester terminating at Preston
Rail replacement buses are running between Preston and Carlisle, but coach availability remains limited. Tickets for travel on Monday will be valid on Tuesday.
Alternative travel options are being accommodated on LNER, ScotRail, CrossCountry, and Northern services.
Political Reactions
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said he had contacted Network Rail about the damage and would raise the issue in the House of Commons, highlighting long-term infrastructure concerns for the West Coast Mainline.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, expressed concern but relief that no-one was seriously injured, adding that he was liaising with the UK government to ensure affected passengers received proper support.
