Adverse weather 'had impact' on Aberdeenshire train derailment - everything we know about the tragedy so far

On Wednesday morning, distressing footage of plumes of smoke rising from an Aberdeenshire railway surfaced alongside reports of a train derailment. 

As the day and rescue operation unfolded, it emerged that three people, including the train driver and conductor, had died. 

Six more people were taken to hospital though their injuries are not thought to be serious. 

The First Minister offered her “deepest condolences” to those involved in the crash and family members of the bereaved on Wednesday afternoon.

This is what we know so far about the incident at Carmont, west of Stonehaven.

What happened at Carmont?

At 09.43 British Transport Police were called to Carmont after the 06.38 train from Aberdeen to Glasgow derailed, with a landslide reportedly a contributory cause.

A crew member is said to have walked along the line for a mile to alert emergency services, while a member of the public also reported plumes of smoke coming from the railway. 

In the lead up to the crash the region had experienced torrential rainfall and thunderstorms, with nearby Stonehaven receiving 79mm over 24 hours.

Prior to the crash, the driver reportedly asked permission to switch tracks. 

It’s believed that he then reversed the train, switched tracks and continued south. 

The train, consisting of two locomotives and four carriages, is then said to have hit a landslide. 

Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Mattheson said that weather “had an impact” on the incident.

He said: "What we don't want to do at this particular point is to start to speculate about what actually caused it.

"What I think we can assess, though, is that weather has had an impact.”

Who are the victims?