Investigation into fatal Stonehaven train derailment begins

An investigation is underway into a rail crash in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, which left three people dead on Wednesday.

The train driver, Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and a passenger were all killed when the ScotRail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street derailed near Stonehaven.

Six other people were injured and taken to hospital.

British Transport Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and inspectors from independent regulator the Office of Rail and Road are involved in the investigation.

It is thought the train hit a landslide after heavy rain and flooding in the area.

Chief Superintendent Eddie Wylie, of British Transport Police, said: "I know many people will understandably have questions, and the investigation will be directed by the COPFS (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland's prosecution office). We will be working closely with them, alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail and Road to establish the full circumstances of how the train came to derail."

Kevin Lindsay, from the train drivers' union ASLEF, said: "Our thoughts are with all those who died, and who were injured, in the tragic accident at Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. While it is too early to speculate about the causes of the crash, it would seem that the appalling weather conditions in the area – the torrential rain – resulted in a landslip which, in turn, caused the train to derail."

In a 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."

Prime minister Boris Johnson and Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, have also left messages of condolence to those killed in the crash.

Grant Shapps, the UK transport secretary, and Michael Matheson, the Scottish transport secretary, plan to visit the crash site on Thursday and meet members of the emergency services.