Four hurt after train derails due to landslide – with travel chaos set to last days
A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme has blocked a portion of the West Coast Main Line
Days of disruption are expected after a train was derailed by a landslide in Cumbria.
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Four people were injured of the 86 passengers aboard the derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme.
Rail provider, Avanti West Coast, said that passengers travelling north of Preston will face days of delays after the major incident.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “At 06.10hrs today, 3 November, the 0428 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston was reported to have derailed at Shap in Cumbria.“Our priority is the wellbeing of everyone who was board and getting them safely off the train.
"Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today. We’ll provide further information in due course, but it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days.”
Passengers told LBC that they were taken to the Shap Wells Hotel after the derailment.
As part of the response to the incident, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told LBC a major incident had been declared, explaining: "I have been informed of this incident within the last half an hour or so.
"I know that a major incident has been stood up. There are no reported injuries.
"We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the train safely.
❗️#Penrith - Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) November 3, 2025
ℹ️ A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked. Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled.
"I will be remaining in constant touch with the train operating company and the railway accident investigation branch."
"We will work swiftly to make sure that people can get off the rain safely. I will be remaining in constant touch with the train operating company"