Passengers trapped on derailed train in England

All nine carriages on a high-speed tilting train containing around 200 people derailed in Cumbria last night, leaving passengers injured and trapped.

Industry sources said the investigation into the cause of the crash is based around the theories of a landslip or broken rail. It is not believed there have been fatalities.

So far, 40 people are walking wounded and eight are seriously injured, an ambulance spokeswoman said.

Rescuers estimate they might have to deal with up to 100 injured passengers.

A massive operation was launched after the carriages of the Pendolino train, which has a top speed of 125mph, slipped down an embankment.

The 5.15pm Virgin service from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailed near Little Docker Cottage, around the area of Grayrigg, near Kendal at around 8.10pm.

The driver was injured, Virgin said.

Virgin spokesman Lee West said the cause of the accident is unknown, as is the train’s speed, but a thorough investigation is taking place.

The Pendolino, which has been used by Virgin for around four years, has an “exemplary” record, he said.

The ultra-modern trains go through rigorous testing and are designed for the “worst case scenario”.

Virgin staff are at the scene of the crash and will be accessing local hotels to make sure passengers are not stranded.

All Virgin services between Preston and Carlisle have been suspended and alternative arrangements for customers, using road vehicles, are being made.

Cumbria Ambulance Service said the eight seriously injured people were being taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The service said all nine carriages had derailed, and one was still half on and half off the tracks.

At least 12 ambulance vehicles were at the scene, with leg, back and head injuries reported – ranging from minor to quite serious.

A number of passengers were still trapped in one of the carriages and emergency workers are having difficulty reaching them because power lines have come down, a spokeswoman said.

She said: “We are still trying to get access to a number of the carriages. The problem is that the power lines have come down so we need to make sure if is safe before we gain access.”

Several RAF rescue helicopters are dealing with the incident, as is a mountain rescue team which happened to be on a nearby exercise.

RAF spokesman Michael Mulford said a helicopter had already offloaded some casualties at a hospital in Preston.

He told BBC News 24 the first indications were that they might have to deal with up to 100 injured passengers.

Mr Mulford said: “We are according priority to those who need help most by a triage system, then we get the casualties and we fly them to one hospital or other.

“You have got expect when you have a train derailment of this sort of a train probably travelling at potentially 100mph or so ... you are going to have a lot of injuries.

“You have got to expect broken limbs... If carriages have come off and rolled then potentially you have got quite serious injuries.”

Passengers were being marshalled from the train and ferried by ambulance to a temporary helicopter landing site to a nearby hall, he added.

He said: “Bit by bit and a few at a time we will move these people out as best we can.

“We have now got four helicopters either in the air, at hospitals or working out of that site along with our colleagues of the Merseyside Police air support unit.”

He said: “Never underestimate just how difficult it is to move several dozen injured people. It does take time.”

Dumfries and Galloway NHS Trust which is 90 miles away, in Scotland, said staff at its main hospital were on stand-by to help deal with injuries.

Cumberland Infirmary, in Carlisle, also confirmed it had been alerted about the derailment and was ready to treat injured passengers.

Ruth Colton, a passenger on the train, said she and others had to climb out of the top of their carriage.

Talking to BBC News 24, she said she was reading a book when the journey became bumpy, like the train was being battered by heavy winds, “as if we were on a plane”, before derailing.

She said the train flipped over and items such as bottles and bags were “flying everywhere”.

BBC executive Caroline Thompson told the BBC how the train appeared to hit something and lurched from side to side “in a very dramatic way”.

The train, which was “pretty crowded” then derailed, she said.

“I was in standard class accommodation and most seats were occupied. Everyone has been helping everyone else.”

A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said their full available resources were being deployed to the area.

He said: “Local hospitals are all on stand-by and they will be prepared for any eventuality.”

British Transport Police confirmed a family liaison centre was being set up at Glasgow Central station for anyone worried about friends or relatives.

The train was due to arrive in Glasgow Central at 9.54pm.

Several staff from Network Rail and Virgin Trains were standing at the entrance to Platform 1, dealing with any queries from passengers.

A warning sign was flashed up on the departures board, saying: “Due to operational difficulties all Virgin services are subject to delay or cancellation.”

Network Rail also set up a facility at a nearby hotel to cater for friends and relatives arriving at the station.

A woman living about a mile away from the crash site, who did not wish to be named, said the local church in Grayrigg was lit up and could be preparing to house passengers overnight.

She said: “I can see it is lit up from my front door. I don’t know if they are making space for people to stay but there is certainly activity around the town.”

She added that another resident, living in Docker, near the derailment, had been trying to get provisions together for the stranded travellers.

Passengers are advised to ring National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 before starting their journey and an emergency services number for friends and relatives will be issued shortly.