Overview
- The 04:28 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to London Euston derailed at about 06:10 between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme near Shap.
- British Transport Police said all passengers were safely escorted off the train, with around 130 taken to a nearby hotel, and North West Ambulance Service reported no significant injuries.
- All lines are blocked between Preston and Carlisle, with National Rail warning of severe delays and cancellations and Avanti expecting disruption for several days.
- Ticket acceptance is in place on alternative routes with LNER, ScotRail and CrossCountry, and rail replacement buses are operating between Carlisle and Preston.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander declared a major incident as Network Rail and the RAIB begin inquiries, with early reports pointing to a possible landslip that has not been officially confirmed.