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'Slow speed' crash of antique steam trains at Scottish rail station

30 Sep 2023 10:49pm
Image for illustrative purposes only. – Facebook
Image for illustrative purposes only. – Facebook
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EDINBURGH - The heritage steam locomotive the Flying Scotsman was involved in a "slow speed" crash with another heritage train hours before visitors were due to board, reported German news agency (dpa).

The crash happened at Aviemore Railway Station, in the Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands, at 7.10pm on Friday.

The station is home to Strathspey Railway, a heritage line that takes visitors on steam trains in northern Scotland.

Two people were taken to hospital as a precaution but their injuries were believed not to be serious, police said.

A spokesman for the National Railway Museum said: "We can confirm that steam locomotive Flying Scotsman has been involved in a shunting incident at Aviemore Station. We will provide further information once more details are known."

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent eight engines to the scene. Scotland police said other casualties were treated at the station.

A police spokesperson said: "Around 7pm on Friday, Sept 29, we received a report of two trains colliding at low speed at Aviemore Railway Station.

"As a precaution, two people - a man and a woman - were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness by the Scottish Ambulance Service for treatment. Their injuries are believed not to be serious.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

Flying Scotsman was scheduled to be running trips this weekend, with the line expected to be especially busy.

The Belmond and Strathspey Railway called the crash "a shunting incident", saying it occured at 6:15pm "when the FlyingScotsman locomotive was being coupled with Belmond's Royal Scotsman train carriages, which were stationary on the heritage railway line, Strathspey Railway”.

"Flying Scotsman was visiting the railway as part of a planned excursion."

A tourist booked to travel on the world-famous steam train on Sunday saw the aftermath of the crash. Lewis Smith had travelled from Glasgow and was surprised to see emergency services outside the station. - BERNAMA-dpa

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