Copyright manchestereveningnews
The first images that appear to show the Avanti West Coast train that derailed in Cumbria this morning have emerged. Several photos of the damaged train have appeared on rail forums and on social media. One person who posted a photo of the damaged train on social media claims it was taken by a railway worker at the scene. A similar photo of what appears to be the same train from another angle was later shared on the RailUK Forums website. It comes after the Avanti service from Glasgow to Euston derailed near Shap in Cumbria at around 6.10am this morning (November 3). Emergency services have been at the scene helping passengers get off the train. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far. All lines are currently blocked. Avanti West Coast have advised people not to travel north of Preston on its services today. An Avanti West Coast spokesperson 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." A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re investigating a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria following a report by a train driver. There are no reports of injuries and we’re working to safely move the passengers off the train. We will provide further updates as soon as we can. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE “At present, we’re unable to run trains between Preston and Carlisle. We’re urging passengers to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries for the latest information. “We’re very sorry to those whose journeys have been impacted this morning and appreciate your patience while we work to reopen the line. Our top priority is the safety of passengers and staff on the West Coast Main Line.” 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.”
