(MENAFN) An early morning Avanti West Coast train from Glasgow to London derailed near Shap in Cumbria, likely after striking a landslip, causing major disruption along the West Coast Mainline.

The 04:28 service from Glasgow Central to London Euston came off the tracks at 06:10 GMT, blocking lines north of Preston and south of Carlisle. Passengers on board, including 87 people and staff, were largely unharmed, with four sustaining minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

Avanti West Coast warned that the disruption could last for “a number of days,” affecting both its services and those of TransPennine Express along the route.

Passengers described a sudden “flash and bang” before being evacuated. Some were temporarily accommodated at the nearby Shap Wells Hotel and later transferred by coach to London or back to Scotland.

Network Rail confirmed a landslip occurred in the area and is investigating whether it directly caused the derailment. BBC Weather noted heavy rainfall in Cumbria over the past three days, with 77.4mm recorded—over a third of the month’s expected total—contributing to the risk of landslips.

Shap Parish Council chairman Jean Jackson highlighted the steep slopes and heavy rain as factors increasing landslip risk. Network Rail’s Sam MacDougall added that Cumbria’s weather and topography present ongoing operational challenges, recalling a similar landslip on this stretch last year.

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