Two injured in Flying Scotsman crash at Highland station
- Published
The incident happened on the private Strathspey Railway heritage line, near to the main line at Aviemore Station
Two people have been treated in hospital after a collision involving the Flying Scotsman locomotive and the Royal Scotsman train at a station in the Highlands.
The incident happened at low speed at about 18:15 on Friday at Aviemore Station.
A man and woman sustained minor injuries and were released after being taken to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
A number of people were assessed at the scene but did not require treatment.
Flying Scotsman was scheduled to be running trips this weekend but it was announced on Saturday afternoon that it would be out of service while awaiting a safety inspection on Monday.
Excursion operators Belmond said a "shunting incident" occurred when Flying Scotsman was being coupled with the company's Royal Scotsman carriages.
At the time the carriages were stationary on the Strathspey Railway line.
A Belmond spokesman said: "All passengers on board at the time of the incident are safe and have been offered alternative travel arrangements."A full investigation is under way, and engineers are on site to conduct detailed damage assessments.
"Our thanks to the crew and emergency services for their swift reactions and prioritising the safety and well-being of our passengers."
Police Scotland said inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the crash were ongoing.
A spokesperson said: "As a precaution, two people - a man and a woman - were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness by the Scottish Ambulance Service for treatment. Their injuries are not believed to be serious.
"A number of other passengers were assessed by the ambulance service at the scene and did not require hospital treatment."
The alarm was raised at about 19:00 on Friday
ScotRail said services were now able to run normally through Aviemore.
The operator added the response was focused on the private heritage line, near the main line which links the Highlands with central Scotland.
Strathspey Steam Railway confirmed all its Saturday services had been cancelled.
A statement from the group said: "The Flying Scotsman locomotive will not haul any trains this weekend as it is awaiting inspection on Monday.
"We ask for your understanding in what has been a difficult situation as we attempt to recover the position safely with third parties.
"A further statement regarding our Sunday services will be made... as soon as the situation is clear."
Police and railway staff inspected the carriages after the crash
British Transport Police confirmed officers were working with Police Scotland.
Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf thanked the emergency services on social media.
He added: "My thoughts with those affected, I wish them a speedy recovery."
Flying Scotsman, pictured previously, is celebrating its centenary
The newly-restored Flying Scotsman was unveiled last year ahead of a series of events to celebrate its centenary.
The 97-tonne locomotive was built in Doncaster in 1923, and is now owned by the National Railway Museum in York.
The steam locomotive was the first in the UK to officially reach 100mph, and was the first-ever service to run non-stop from London to Edinburgh.
The steam locomotive was built in Doncaster in 1923
It is owned and operated by the National Railway Museum but maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd, based in Heywood, Greater Manchester.
As part of its centenary year, the locomotive is visiting railway stations around the UK and has spent time at the National Railway Museum.
- Published14 October 2022
- Published10 October 2022
