Investigation launched after train derailed following landslip near Shap
There were nine staff members and 86 passengers on board at the time
An investigation has been launched after a passenger train travelling from Glasgow Central to London Euston derailed near Shap, Cumbria, earlier this month.
At around 6:10am on Monday, 3 November 2025, the train struck a landslip approximately three miles south of Shap, while travelling at around 83mph (134 km/h).
The impact lifted the first bogie off the rails, causing it to run derailed for around 560 metres before coming to a stop.
There were nine staff members and 86 passengers on board at the time of the incident.
Four people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The derailment also caused significant damage to both the train and the surrounding railway infrastructure.
According to a preliminary examination by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), the landslip occurred during a period of heavy and sustained rainfall. A drainage channel running across the slope above the track was found to be incapable of handling the large volume of water, which led to the slope below becoming saturated and collapsing onto the line.
RAIB’s investigation will focus on establishing the sequence of events leading up to the derailment.
Key areas of inquiry will include:
- The design, maintenance and management of earthworks and drainage in the affected area
- The effectiveness of on-site monitoring systems
- The operational response to weather warnings and adverse conditions
- The performance of the train during and after the derailment
- Any underlying factors that may have contributed to the incident
The investigation will be conducted independently of inquiries by the railway industry or the Office of Rail and Road.
A spokesperson for the RAIB confirmed that a full report, including findings and safety recommendations, will be published on the RAIB website upon completion of the investigation.