COMMUTERS have been issued an urgent “do not travel warning” after a train derailment caused travel chaos today.
Emergency crews were scrambled after the train came off the tracks near Shap, Cumbria, this morning.
The derailed train at Shap was the 4.28am service from Glasgow Central to London Euston, Avanti West Coast says.
Rail services face delays of up to two hours following the derailment, which occurred between Penrith and Oxenholme just after 6am.
A number of services have already been axed, causing travel misery for commuters.
And Avanti West Coast said it is likely there will be “significant disruption to our network for a number of days”.
The train firm says “all lines are blocked north of Preston” and tells passengers not to attempt to travel north of Preston today
National Rail explained the incident is affecting trains running between Carlisle and Preston.
In a post on X, National Rail said: “A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked.
“Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled.”
British Transport Police said there are no reported casualties and passengers have been safely escorted from the train.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said a major incident had been declared and told LBC Radio: “I have been informed of this incident within the last half an hour or so.
“I know that a major incident has been stood up. There are no reported injuries.
“We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the train safely.
“I will be remaining in constant touch with the train operating company and the railway accident investigation branch.”
British Transport Police said in a statement on social media: “Officers were called at 6.15am today to reports of a train derailment near Shap, Cumbria.
“Thankfully, there are no reported casualties and passengers have been safely escorted from the train.
“Officers remain on scene alongside emergency services responding to the incident.”
