Major rescue effort launched after Aberdeenshire train derailment

A train has derailed near Stonehaven after a night of flash flooding in the area which continued across the north-east this morning.

The service came off the tracks on the Dundee-Aberdeen line just before 10am close to the old Carmont rail station, near Stonehaven.

A considerable number of ambulances, including the SCAA air ambulance helicopter, are at the scene, alongside police and fire engines.

Witnesses report seeing a huge plumes of smoke which could be seen billowing from the train as rescue efforts got under way.

A spokesman for Network Rail Scotland said: "We are working alongside the emergency services to respond to an incident involving a train near Stonehaven.

"It is too early to confirm the exact nature and severity of the incident and more details will be made available once known."

Anyone travelling is requested to check the latest updates via Scotrail as severe disruptions are expected for the rest of today.

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