Train services have resumed between Preston and Carlisle after a derailment near Shap brought a key stretch of the West Coast Main Line to a standstill on Monday. The incident, believed to have been caused by a landslip, forced the temporary closure of the route and led to major disruption for passengers.

The affected train, travelling from Glasgow Central to London Euston, came off the tracks in Cumbria, prompting an evacuation of those onboard. Passengers were taken to a nearby hotel before continuing their journeys by road. No serious injuries were reported.

Because of the train’s position and damage to rail infrastructure, services were halted while engineers worked to clear the site and restore the line. Network Rail teams worked continuously from Monday through to Tuesday afternoon, repairing overhead line equipment, track and embankments before reopening the route.

Phil James, North West Route Director for Network Rail, said:

“Services are now running again on this vital section of the West Coast Mainline. We thank passengers for the patience and understanding they have shown during the very complex repair programme. We have worked closely with train operators to ensure services are running this morning and we would urge you to check with them for the latest information.”

Avanti West Coast Managing Director Andy Mellors added:

“I would firstly like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during what has been an extremely challenging time. Not only have our staff, industry colleagues and the emergency services been rightly praised by customers for their response to the incident as well as the disruption, but Network Rail as well as other industry partners have also been working hard to restore the infrastructure and clear the route. The advice remains that we strongly advise customers continue to check the Avanti West Coast website and National Rail enquiries for the latest travel updates.”

Trains are now running again, though operators advise passengers to check schedules before travelling as services may continue to be subject to delays and alterations.

Image: Network Rail