Train derails near station
Passenger train with 62 on board comes off tracks as it approaches Dingwall Station.
By Lesley Kinney
22 January 2010 18:44 PM
A passenger train carry 62 people has come off the tracks near Dingwall Station.
The front carriage of the Inverness to Ardgay train derailed as it appoached the station at 17.45pm on Friday.
Network Rail said the train was carrying 60 passengers along with one driver and an attendant. One woman suffered minor injuries.
Emergency services were at the scene and helped evacuate the passengers from the two-carriage train.
Marie O'Brien, who was travelling to Invergordon, described how the train shook as it derailed only 100 yards from the station.
She said: "Everyone was in shock, I was shaking. I am just relieved it never came right off and tumbled over. The train was slow as it was coming to the station, which was maybe just as well.
"Then whole thing started shaking and we were holding onto the tables. Then came to a grinding halt."
The route has now been closed while investigations are carried out into the cause of the derailment.
John MacDonald, group manager with the fire service, said: "Fire and rescue attended with our partner agencies to make the scene safe and to assist the passengers and evacuate from the train safely with the use of ladders."
Four appliances and an emergency tender were on the scene.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "We can confirm the derailment of the 17.15 service from Inverness to Ardgay on its approach to Dingwall Station, at very low speed.
"Everyone is now off the train and ScotRail are finding alternative arrangements for passengers to continue their journey.
"The route will now be closed until the train is back on the rails and we have investigated the accident and make sure it is safe for trains to run again. The safety of passengers is our priority."
A spokeswoman for Northern Constabulary said emergency services: "We believe the front carriage slightly derailed on the approach to the station with 60 people on board and a driver and attendant. There are not believed to be any serious injuries."
Last updated: 22 January 2010, 21:31