Two people have been taken to hospital after a collision between two trains in northern Scotland.
The crash happened at Aviemore Railway Station, in the Cairngorms, at 7.10pm.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent eight appliances to the scene.
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Paramedics took two casualties to hospital by ambulance and three other people were treated at the scene.
A spokesman for SFRS said: “We were alerted at 7.10pm on Friday to reports of a collision involving two trains at Aviemore Railway Station.
“We sent eight appliances to the scene, where firefighters worked to support partners.
NEW: Due to the emergency services responding to an incident on a private railway near the mainline, we're currently unable to run any trains through Aviemore station while they work. ^Angus pic.twitter.com/ceK3AGX6qH
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) September 29, 2023
“Three appliances remain at the scene.
“Two casualties have been transported to Raigmore Hospital.
“Three casualties were treated at the scene but did not require to be taken to hospital.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7pm on Friday 29 September 2023, we received a report of two trains colliding at Aviemore Railway Station.
“Emergency services are in attendance, and two people have been taken to Raigmore Hospital.
“A number of other passengers are being treated at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.”
The crash happened on Strathspey Railway, a heritage line based there, and involved a stationary carriage and another train which was in the station.
It is understood that one of the trains involved in the crash is the iconic Flying Scotsman.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: “It’s on a heritage railway line, it’s not our infrastructure."
The main line at Aviemore was shut for a brief period while emergency services responded to the incident.
Ariane Burgess, Scottish Greens MSP for Highlands and Islands (Region), said: “We are still waiting on further information about what exactly has happened to cause this, but I understand people were injured and my thoughts are with them.
“We are indebted to the emergency services and rail and train crews who have been working to help and treat the casualties and others at the scene, and hospitals teams dealing with them. They have our heartfelt thanks.
“I am seeking further information on what has occurred and will be following details closely.”
Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: “It is too early to know what has caused this incident, but clearly a full investigation will have to take place.
“From reports it appears this has been on the heritage track, the Strathspey Railway line, involving the Flying Scotsman and that nearby services on the main line have been temporarily impacted to allow emergency efforts to continue.
“We are thinking of all those involved at this challenging time and thanks all those who have taken part in the emergency response.”
Strathspey Railway has been contacted for comment.
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