Train driver and conductor named as official investigation into deadly Stonehaven rail crash begins
An official investigation has begun into the rail crash in Aberdeenshire which left three people dead.
The train driver, a conductor and a passenger were all killed when the ScotRail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street was derailed near Stonehaven on Wednesday morning.
The passenger’s identity remains unknown, but the driver and conductor have been named locally as Brett McCullough and Donald Dinnie respectively.
The Queen, Boris Johnson and Minister Nicola Sturgeon have led tributes to those killed in the tragic incident.
Dozens of emergency service vehicles – including an air ambulance and British Transport Police (BTP) officers – were called to the scene at about 9.40am.
Addressing reporters hours later, BTP chief inspector Brian McAleese said an investigation would be directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
He added they “will also be working closely with them along with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Road and Rail to establish the full circumstances of how this train came to derail”.
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the Scottish Government’s Michael Matheson will both visit the area on Thursday and meet members of the emergency services.
Ahead of the visit, Mr Shapps said: “I express my deepest condolences to the friends and families of those affected in the tragic incident near Stonehaven.
“My department is in close contact with all relevant parties, including our counterparts in the Scottish Government, to provide any support that is required.
“I want to pay tribute to the emergency services and rail workers, who have responded so quickly in these distressing circumstances
“The safety of passengers and staff is and has always been our upmost priority and we will ensure that lessons are learned from this tragic incident once the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has carried out its investigation.”
In another message of condolence, sent to the Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, the Queen said: “It was with great sadness that I heard of the train derailment earlier today in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.
“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.”
Speaking to Sky News, the Prime Minister also said: “One of the reasons that this accident is so shocking is of course that this type of accident on our railways is thankfully so rare.
“But our thoughts are very much with those who’ve lost their lives, their families and of course those who’ve been injured in the derailment.
“I’ve talked to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about what has happened and clearly the most important thing now is that the British Transport Police, who are in charge of the investigation, find out exactly what happened, and that we all work together with Network Rail, with everybody else who’s responsible to make sure that nothing like this happens again.”
My thoughts are very much with those who lost their lives near Stonehaven today, their families, and, of course, those who have been injured in the derailment. pic.twitter.com/CcqeSexwjn
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson)
Writing on Twitter, Ms Sturgeon said: “My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
“I have just been updated by Network Rail and the emergency services on the ongoing operation.
“My thanks go to them, and my thoughts remain with everyone affected.”
She also tweeted the NHS Grampian helpline number, adding: “Anyone worried about friends or family involved in the Stonehaven rail incident can call 01224 319519 for advice and support.”
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Stonehaven: Queen speaks of grief after train derailment kills three
