A major emergency operation is underway in Cumbria after a passenger train derailed near Carlisle, causing significant disruption to rail services across the region.
Emergency services including police, fire crews, and ambulance teams were scrambled to the scene following reports of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon. The train, understood to be a Northern service, left the tracks in a rural area near the Cumbrian border.
Emergency Response Mobilised
Multiple emergency vehicles have converged on the location as responders work to assess the situation and ensure passenger safety. A spokesperson for Cumbria Police confirmed they were "aware of an incident" and coordinating the multi-agency response.
Network Rail has issued warnings to travellers, stating: "We're responding to a derailment near Carlisle. Please check your journey before travelling as disruption is expected to continue for several hours."
Travel Chaos for Commuters
The derailment has caused widespread disruption across Northern rail services, with significant delays and cancellations affecting routes through Cumbria. Replacement transport services are being arranged, though passengers face extended journey times.
Rail replacement buses have been deployed between key stations, but travellers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys or consider postponing non-essential travel.
Investigation Underway
Early reports suggest the train derailed in a remote section of track, though the exact cause remains unknown. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been notified and is expected to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Northern Rail has apologised to customers affected by the disruption and confirmed they are working with emergency services to manage the situation.
