Avanti West Coast Train Derails Cumbria Causing Major Disruption

A train derailment occurred near Shap in Cumbria involving the 4:28 am Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to London Euston, causing all rail lines north of Preston to be blocked and resulting in significant travel disruption expected to last several days. Emergency services, including paramedics, were dispatched promptly, and passengers were safely escorted from the train with no reported injuries. Authorities have declared a major incident and advised passengers not to travel north of Preston, with alternative travel arrangements and ticket acceptance offered via other routes and operators. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed ongoing coordination to ensure passenger safety and swift incident management. The derailment has impacted services between Carlisle and Preston, with delays and cancellations reported. Avanti West Coast and British Transport Police continue to assist on-site and provide updates as the situation develops.