Two trains collide including Flying Scotsman as passengers rushed to hospital

29 September 2023 , 22:15

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The Flying Scotsman was involved in a crash with another train

Two passengers were hospitalised after the world famous train the Flying Scotsman locomotive was involved in a low-speed crash.

Police Scotland said the iconic train collided with the Belmond-operated train, Royal Scotsman, at around 7pm on Friday at Aviemore Station in the Cairngorms National Park, in the Highlands.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and treated three others, while medics took the two passengers to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness as a precaution. Luckily, injuries were reported to be minor.

A spokesman for Belmond said: "Thankfully, there were no major injuries. We are grateful for the prompt attendance by paramedics who were on site to assist the few passengers and team members who sustained minor injuries.

The incident took place at around 7pm

"All passengers have been transferred to a hotel where our team is on standby to offer support and to assist with our guests' onward travel arrangements. Our thanks to the Royal Scotsman crew for their swift reactions and attention to the safety and well-being of our passengers; our highest priority."

Train derails with fear growing hazardous materials it is carrying will explode

ScotRail confirmed services had resumed normally through Aviemore as the emergency response concentrated at the private Strathspey Railway heritage line, reports BBC. Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf addressed the incident on social media and said: "My thoughts with those affected, I wish them a speedy recovery."

The Flying Scotsman, built in 1923, was recently restored and unveiled last year before numerous events took place in tribute of its centenary. It is now owned by the National Railway Museum in York.

The 97-tonne locomotive was named the first in the UK to reach 100mph and was the first-ever service to run continuously between London and Edinburgh. It has been visiting stations throughout the UK as part of its centenary year events. It has also visited the National Railway Museum.

Monica Charsley