A Fatal Accident Inquiry has commenced into the devastating train derailment near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, which claimed three lives and left six others injured in August 2020. The proceedings, which began at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday, have heard heart-wrenching statements from the families of the victims, who described feeling "robbed" of their futures with their loved ones.
Emotional Tributes Read in Court
Alex Prentice KC, Crown counsel for the inquiry, read out poignant family tributes as the formal investigation got underway. The incident, which occurred at Carmont on 12 August 2020, resulted in the tragic deaths of train driver Brett McCullough, 45; conductor Donald Dinnie, 58; and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62.
Wife's Heartbreaking Statement
Diane Stuchbury, the wife of Christopher Stuchbury, submitted a statement to the court revealing that her husband died on their wedding anniversary. Her words painted a picture of profound loss and shattered dreams.
Her statement read: "Every day with Chris was a gift. The most loving, kind, wise, and loyal man you could ever wish to meet. The 12th of August used to be a special day in our house: the day we married."
Mrs Stuchbury expressed her conviction that the accident "should have never happened", adding that she and her husband "have been robbed of their future together as a couple."
Family Statements Continue
The family of Donald Dinnie also shared their grief through a statement read in court: "He was loved and adored by all his family and friends. He will be forever missed."
These emotional testimonies underscore the lasting impact of the tragedy on those left behind, as they seek answers and accountability through the formal inquiry process.
Background of the Tragedy
The catastrophic derailment near Stonehaven represents one of the most serious rail incidents in Scotland in recent years. The inquiry aims to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident thoroughly, with proceedings expected to continue for several days as evidence is presented and examined.
As the investigation unfolds, the families' words serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind the statistics, highlighting not just the lives lost but the futures that were abruptly and tragically cut short.
