West Coast Mainline services resume after Monday's derailment

Train services are once again running between Preston and Carlisle following significant disruption caused by a derailment on Monday morning. 

The incident occurred near Shap, in Cumbria, following a suspected landslip in the area.

Passengers on the train involved in the derailment – travelling from Glasgow Central to Euston – had to be evacuated to a nearby hotel before taking onward journeys by road.

Nobody suffered significant injuries in the derailment, but the location of the train meant a section of the West Coast Mainline had to be closed.

Teams from Network Rail worked throughout the day and night on Monday and into Tuesday afternoon to move the damaged train and repair the surrounding overhead line equipment, track and bankings.

Phil James, North West Route Director for Network Rail, said: “Services are now running again on this vital section of the West Coast Mainline.

"We thank passengers for the patience and understanding they have shown during the very complex repair programme.

“We have worked closely with train operators to ensure services are running this morning and we would urge you to check with them for the latest information.”

Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, said: “I would firstly like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during what has been an extremely challenging time.

“Not only have our staff, industry colleagues and the emergency services been rightly praised by customers for their response to the incident as well as the disruption, but Network Rail as well as other industry partners have also been working hard to restore the infrastructure and clear the route.

"The advice remains that we strongly advise customers continue to check the Avanti West Coast website and National Rail enquiries for the latest travel updates."

For up-to-date travel information and detail on alternative travel please check www.nationalrail.co.uk.