Stonehaven to Aberdeen line closed until October

Transport secretary outlines challenges of investigating fatal crash

The track where three men died in a train derailment in Aberdeenshire is expected to remain closed until at least October as investigators work to overcome difficulties accessing the crash site.

Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, were all killed, while six more were injured, following a landslide at Carmont near Stonehaven on August 12.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson told Holyrood’s rural economy and connectivity committee yesterday that he expected the line would not be open for passenger use at any time in September.

It comes as the prime minister pledged to “learn the lessons” from the rail crash and implement any changes recommended by safety watchdogs.

A rail shuttle service was introduced on Monday and will call at Aberdeen, Portlethen, and Stonehaven, with some services extended to start or terminate at Inverurie or Dyce. A replacement bus service remains in place between Dundee and Stonehaven but ScotRail hasbeenunabletoconfirmthetimescale for a full return of services.

Mr Matheson said investigators and engineers had been forced to undertake “significant work” to build an access road to the crash site. He said: “The site is presently still under the control of Police Scotland while the investigation is being taken forward.

“The investigation that they’re leading, along with British Transport Police, is running in parallel with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s investigation.

“The challenge which they’ve experienced is access to the site. It’s a very difficult area for the engineers and for the investigators to access.

“My expectation is that the line will remain closed for passenger use into October, given the scale of the challenge they facemoving into the recovery phase once the investigation is complete.”

Mr Matheson also confirmed details of how the multiple investigations will take shape.

He said: “Parallel to the investigations being undertaken by the RAIB, Police Scotland and British Transport Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident with the railway inspectorate.

“These investigations are under the direction of the Lord Advocate, who will conclude whether there is a case for criminal prosecution or whether the incident will be subject to a fatal accident inquiry.”

Mr Johnson was replying to a House of Commons question from north-east MP Andrew Bowie who asked what assurances he could give to the public.

ThePMhailedtheemergencyservices and community of Stonehaven for their bravery in the aftermath of the accident and said: “I know the whole House will want to join with me in sending our condolences to the family and friends of Brett McCullough, Donald Dinnie and Christopher Stuchbury.

“We must ensure that we learn the lessons of this tragic event to make sure that no such incident recurs in the future.”

It’s a very difficult area for the engineers and for the investigators to access. TRANSPORT SECRETARY MICHAEL MATHESON

Picture: PA. Investigators continue to work at the scene near Stonehaven following the August 12 crash which cost the lives of three people.