Two in hospital after the Flying Scotsman crashes at Aviemore

A number of passengers are being treated at the scene after a train crashed into a stationary carriage in the Highlands.

Two in hospital after the Flying Scotsman crashes at Aviemore STV News

Two people are in hospital after the Flying Scotsman crashed in the Highlands.

Emergency services were called to Aviemore Railway Station at around 7pm on Friday, after the train collided with a stationary carriage.

Two people, understood to be a passenger and team member, have been taken to Raigmore Hospital for a precautionary check-up.

Police confirmed that a number of other passengers are being treated at the scene as enquires remain ongoing.

Royal Scotsman luxury train operator Belmond confirmed that one passenger and team member are in hospital for a “precautionary check-up” after a “minor collision”.

They said: “At 1815 a minor collision occurred when the Flying Scotsman locomotive was being shunted into place to be coupled with the Royal Scotsman train’s carriages, stationary on the Strathspey Railway”

“One passenger and one team member are attending hospital for a precautionary check-up.”

A police spokesman said: “Around 7pm on Friday, 29 September, 2023, we received a report of two trains colliding at Aviemore Railway Station.

“Emergency services are in attendance, and two people have been taken to Raigmore Hospital.

“A number of other passengers are being treated at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.”

A spokesman for SFRS said: “We were alerted at 7.10pm on Friday to reports of a collision involving two trains at Aviemore Railway Station.

“We sent eight appliances to the scene, where firefighters worked to support partners.

“Three appliances remain at the scene.

“Two casualties have been transported to Raigmore Hospital.

“Three casualties were treated at the scene but did not require to be taken to hospital.”

The crash happened on Strathspey Railway, a heritage line based there, and involved a stationary carriage and another train which was in the station.

Flying Scotsman was scheduled to be running trips this weekend, with the line expected to be especially busy.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “It’s on a heritage railway line, it’s not our infrastructure.

“The main line is shut while emergency services respond.

“We are saying to passengers to check before travelling.”

Ariane Burgess, Scottish Greens MSP for Highlands and Islands (Region), said: “We are still waiting on further information about what exactly has happened to cause this, but I understand people were injured and my thoughts are with them.

“We are indebted to the emergency services and rail and train crews who have been working to help and treat the casualties and others at the scene, and hospitals teams dealing with them. They have our heartfelt thanks.

“I am seeking further information on what has occurred and will be following details closely.”

Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: “It is too early to know what has caused this incident, but clearly a full investigation will have to take place.

“From reports it appears this has been on the heritage track, the Strathspey Railway line, involving the Flying Scotsman and that nearby services on the main line have been temporarily impacted to allow emergency efforts to continue.

“We are thinking of all those involved at this challenging time and thanks all those who have taken part in the emergency response.”


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