West Coast derailment - TSSA statement 

Rail union TSSA has described as ‘troubling’ the derailment of an Avanti West Coast train travelling from Glasgow to London near Shap in Cumbria - which has been declared a major incident. 

The union praised the emergency services, including British Transport Police, after it emerged that there were no serious injuries among those on board, said to number around 85 passengers.  

However, the union – which represents many members both at Avanti and Network Rail, said a derailment was always a highly serious matter and would need thorough investigation in the days and weeks ahead.  

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “The derailment of the Avanti West Coast train near Shap is very serious and will require thorough investigation. 

“It’s always troubling and extremely dangerous when a train leaves the track under any circumstances, so it is right that a major incident has been declared.   

“Thankfully it seems there and no major injuries and we thank the emergency services, including British Transport Police, for all they are doing for those who were on board. 

“Our union has thousands of Network Rail members who work incredibly hard every day of the year, making sure our railways run safely. This is always our number one priority. 

“There will be significant disruption in the days ahead on the West Coast Mainline, but our members know this is necessary to we can have answers and better understand what led to this incident in Cumbria.” 

*TSSA represents clerical, supervisory, technical and management grades employed by Network Rail. Network Rail owns and maintains Britain’s rail infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, tunnels, viaducts, signalling, and many of the biggest stations. 

 *TSSA represents station and revenue protection staff as well as managers at Avanti West Coast.