The Queen has expressed her sadness in a statement after a tragic train derailment killed three people in Scotland.
The monarch, 94, thanked emergency services in a poignant official statement.
Taking to the royal family’s official Instagram account, the Queen addressed her some 8.2 million followers with:
“It was with great sadness that I heard of the train derailment earlier today in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.
What happened in Scotland?
“The Duke of Edinburgh, and the entire Royal Family, join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have died and those who have been injured.
“Our thanks go out to the emergency services for their response and dedication.”
A major incident occurred on Wednesday, August 12, when a train derailed near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.
Three people died, including the driver. A further six suffered injuries.
The accident occurred after the driver encountered several landslides caused by extreme flooding.
Just last month Network Rail were warned that greater precautions need to be enforced to deal with extreme weather.
HM chief inspector of railways Ian Prosser said: “The last year saw significant increases in flooding, earthwork failures and trains striking trees on the line, which had a big impact on the number of delays on the network.”
Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, shared his shock over the accident.
At Carmont, we’ve had reports of a landslip, which means services can’t operate between Dundee & Aberdeen. /2 pic.twitter.com/1E29tKHFhy
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) August 12, 2020
He wrote on Twitter: “That fatal derailments are so rare only deepens the sense of shock and sadness about those who lost their lives and were injured yesterday morning.
“Headed to Stonehaven to thank emergency services, ensure every measure is taken and that each lesson is learnt from this tragedy.”
The place of the accident is just over an hour’s drive away from the Queen’s Balmoral estate.
Where is the Queen now?
She is currently residing in Balmoral for the summer along with Prince Philip, 99.
They flew there by private plane last month, after self isolating for almost five months at Windsor Castle.
Here they continued their royal duties from the confinements of their home.
Served by 22 staff, the Queen maintained her charitable duties through various Zoom calls.
She also knighted Sir Tom Moore during lockdown, who has raised million for the NHS.
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