Cumbria Train Derailment Today: Avanti West Coast Train Derailment Updates

A major train derailment occurred near Shap in Cumbria on Monday morning, November 3, 2025, involving an Avanti West Coast service running from Glasgow Central to London Euston. The incident has caused all rail lines north of Preston to be blocked, disrupting key rail services like Transpennine Express and leaving many passengers stranded.

No Injuries Reported in Cumbria Train Derailment Today

Emergency services, including paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service, arrived promptly at the derailment site along the West Coast Main Line. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that while a major incident has been declared, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far. Efforts are ongoing to safely evacuate passengers on board the derailed train.

Major Rail Disruption and Travel Advice

National Rail and Avanti West Coast advised passengers to avoid travel north of Preston, as all lines are blocked. Significant delays and cancellations are expected throughout the day, with some trains delayed by up to 120 minutes. Alternative travel arrangements have been made, including ticket acceptance on other routes via LNER, ScotRail, CrossCountry, and TransPennine Express, to help affected travelers.

Services Affected and Alternative Transport

• Trains between Carlisle and Preston are impacted.

• Ticket holders for journeys north of Preston on November 3 may use their tickets on Avanti services via the same route for free on November 4.

• Free bus replacements operate between Preston and Carlisle.

• TransPennine Express supports travel via alternative routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

🎟️ #Penrith - TransPennine Express:
If you are travelling from Glasgow Central and Edinburgh towards Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street, you can travel via the East Coast Mainline. Tickets have been arranged, at no extra cost on the following routes:
- CrossCountry and LNER…

— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) November 3, 2025

Details of the Train Crash Near Shap Cumbria

The derailment took place between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District stations, blocking rail traffic and causing widespread delays of up to two hours. All services traveling between Carlisle and Preston are significantly affected with continued disruption expected throughout the day. Passengers traveling north of Preston are strongly advised to avoid journeys today.

Rail companies including Avanti West Coast and Transpennine Express have arranged replacement bus services for passengers affected by the blockage. Ticket holders for journeys impacted by the derailment are eligible for refunds or alternative travel routes with no additional charges.

What Caused the Cumbria Train Derailment?

The exact cause of the derailment is still under investigation by railway authorities. Emergency teams are assessing the site and working closely with the rail operators to understand the incident.

Impact on UK Rail Network and Passenger Advice

The disruption has caused cancellations and delays across several rail operators. Passengers are encouraged to check live updates from their train companies before traveling, use alternative transport routes if possible, and plan for delays if travel is unavoidable.

'We understand there are no injuries at present,' says @Heidi_Labour.

Paramedics have been sent to the site of a train derailment in Cumbria, where a major incident has been declared. pic.twitter.com/FbbEzbomm8

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) November 3, 2025