Survivors take legal action over fatal Stonehaven train crash

Three men died when a ScotRail train struck a landslip following heavy rainfall on August 12.

Survivors take legal action over fatal Stonehaven train crash Getty Images

Survivors of the Stonehaven train derailment have launched legal action as they continue to seek answers over the cause of the fatal crash.

They are suing for damages in connection with the incident and have instructed legal firm Digby Brown to act on their behalf.

Three men died when a ScotRail train struck a landslip and came off the tracks at a bridge in Carmont, near Stonehaven, on August 12.

Driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury were killed when the 6.38am Aberdeen-Glasgow service derailed.

How a normal morning train journey turned into a disaster

Neil Davidson, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors in Aberdeen, said: “This was a tragic incident that caused the unnecessary loss of three innocent lives and unnecessary injuries to all of those involved and our condolences go to the families of the individuals who lost their lives.

‘But we are of the view that this incident was avoidable and our clients have many questions about the crash.’

Neil Davidson, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors

“But we are of the view that this incident was avoidable and our clients have many questions about the crash.

“Particularly, what series of events led to the crash occurring? We are going to assist them in receiving the answers to their questions.”

ScotRail driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury.STV News

Mr Davidson also said he hopes the Rail Accident Investigation Branch can identify lessons that can be learned and procedures that can be improved so an incident like this does not occur again in the future.

He said: “In the meantime, we will continue to liaise with the authorities and organisations involved and continue to support our clients by ensuring they have access to expert healthcare professionals to assist with their recovery and wellbeing.”

The crash caused extensive damage to the tracks, bridge, embankment and drainage systems at the site in Carmont.

The railway line between Aberdeen and Dundee reopened in early November after being closed for almost three months.

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