A train traveling from Glasgow to London in the early hours has gone off the rails, apparently due to a landslip, causing significant disruptions expected to persist for “several days” on the West Coast Mainline.

The derailment occurred at 06:10 GMT when the 04:28 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow Central to London Euston derailed at Shap in Cumbria, according to the train operator.

As a consequence, rail lines to the north of Preston and south of Carlisle have been rendered impassable, trapping passengers on either side of the incident.

According to the North West Ambulance Service, 87 individuals were on board, including crew members, with four sustaining minor injuries that didn’t necessitate hospitalization.

An Avanti representative stated, “We anticipate considerable disruption to our network for several days.”

The derailment has also affected TransPennine Express operations utilizing the West Coast Mainline.

James Burrow, a passenger on the affected train, described experiencing “a flash and a bang” before staff swiftly notified travelers of the derailment.

He recounted being guided off the train at 08:50 to the nearby Shap Wells Hotel, noting, “People were confused but calm.”

“Initially, we suspected that a vehicle may have collided with the train,” he added.

“I was taking a photo of the train when a gentleman approached me, stating, ‘I was driving that train.’

“He truly is something of a hero; it could have turned out a lot worse.”

After a stay at the hotel, passengers were transferred to two coaches — one bound for London and another returning to Scotland.

Campbell Watson from Glasgow shared his experience with BBC Radio Cumbria: “I was dozing when the train jolted violently, followed by a loud screech, and suddenly the train came to a halt, with the power failing.”

“It was a very startling experience.”

Network Rail confirmed that a landslip occurred in the vicinity prior to the train’s derailment but was still investigating whether it was the cause of the incident.

BBC Weather’s chief presenter, Helen Willetts, reported that Cumbria experienced a wet weekend, stating, “Over the past three days, 77.4mm of rain has fallen.”

“This time of year tends to be wet, but this amount represents over a third of the forecasted rainfall for November.”

Jean Jackson, chair of Shap Parish Council, remarked that “the rainfall has been extraordinary” in Cumbria, adding that the steep terrain adjacent to the railway made her “not surprised” by the landslip.

Last year, a similar situation arose when heavy rains resulted in a landslip along the same railway stretch.

Sam MacDougall, Director of Operations at Network Rail, indicated that Cumbria presents “unique challenges” due to the area’s weather and geography.

The disruption is expected to persist at least until the end of Monday, as rail lines remain obstructed by the derailed train. This means:

TransPennine has notified travelers that running a replacement bus service operating hourly between Preston and Carlisle is “proving difficult” due to a limited number of coaches.

Monday’s travel tickets will be honored on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Avanti and TransPennine tickets are being accepted on various alternative services.

On the West Coast Mainline, trains from the south are currently terminating at Preston, while incoming services from the north conclude at Carlisle.

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, indicated he has engaged with Network Rail regarding the line’s damage and subsequent steps to address the situation.

He plans to raise the matter in the House of Commons with the transport secretary while discussing long-term infrastructure concerns relating to the West Coast Mainline.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, expressed “deep concern” regarding the derailment, noting it was “an absolute relief” that no one was injured.

He stated that he is in communication with the UK government to ensure appropriate support is provided to those impacted.