Fatal Train Derailment In Scotland Leaves Three Dead After Heavy Rains

Authorities in the UK have started an investigation into a fatal rail crash in rural Scotland Wednesday morning that left three dead and a number of passengers requiring hospital treatment.

The train’s driver, a conductor and one passenger were all killed when the early morning ScotRail train to Glasgow from Aberdeen went off this rails after hitting debris left on the track following a landslide.

In the days leading up to the accident, heavy rains had repeatedly swept through the area and it is thought this led to the landslide.

The British Transport Police, the UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch and officers belonging to the Office of Rail and Road are all reported to be taking part in the investigation, the last being an independent investigator.

The UK’s Transport Minister, Grant Shapps said of the accident that he aims to “try to understand the situation firsthand and offer every possible assistance” while Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network traveled to the site from Italy where he was spending a family holiday.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth used the Royal Family Twitter account to say she felt “great sadness” when learning of the accident, adding that “The Duke of Edinburgh, and the entire Royal Family, join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have died and those who have been injured.”

“Our thanks go out to the emergency services for their response and dedication” the Tweet read.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered his condolences too, adding “(C)learly the most important thing now is that the British Transport Police, who are in charge of the investigation, find out exactly what happened and we all work together to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”