Train derailment near Shap blocks WCML, major incident declared

Emergency services responded early on Monday to a train derailment near the village of Shap in Cumbria, blocking the West Coast Main Line between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District and prompting a major incident declaration, officials said. The incident, reported at about 6.30 a.m., left all lines between Preston and Carlisle suspended and forced operators to cancel or alter services while emergency crews assessed the scene.

North West Ambulance Service said it had dispatched paramedics to the site and was working with other emergency services. "Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible," the service said. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told LBC Radio that a major incident had been stood up and, as of her remarks, there were no reported injuries. She added, "We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the train safely," and said she would remain in contact with the train operator and the Railway Accident Investigation Branch.

Avanti West Coast, which operates services on the affected section of the West Coast Main Line, advised customers not to travel north of Preston on Monday and said affected...