Train line reopens almost three months after deadly crash

The railway line between Aberdeen and Dundee has reopened almost three months on from a fatal derailment.

Three men died when a ScotRail train struck a landslip and came off the tracks at a bridge near Stonehaven on August 12.

The crash caused extensive damage to the tracks, bridge, embankment and drainage systems at the site in Carmont.

Repaired: Engineers have been working 'round-the-clock'. — Repaired: Engineers have been working ’round-the-clock’. Website

Network Rail said engineers have been “working around-the-clock” to repair the track and introduce new safety measures.

The line reopened on Tuesday.

We can confirm that the railway between Dundee and Aberdeen will reopen tomorrow, November 3, as repairs have now been completed following the tragic derailment and loss of three lives at Carmont, near Stonehaven. https://t.co/0fqnnQOMox
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) November 2, 2020

Driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury were killed when the 6.38am Aberdeen-Glasgow service derailed.

The train was travelling back to Aberdeen after a landslide further down the line blocked its path following a night of heavy rain.

An accident investigation is ongoing.

Tragedy: Brett McCullough, Donald Dinnie and Christopher Stuchbury died in the crash. STV News

Alex Hynes, managing director of ScotRail, said: “We continue to work closely with accident investigators as we seek to learn the lessons of this tragedy and make our railway as safe as possible for our people and our passengers.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the families and friends of Brett, Donald and Christopher and with the other passengers and colleagues who were affected by the accident.

“Our engineers have been working around-the-clock to repair and reopen the railway and we thank all our customers and lineside neighbours for the understanding they have shown during this difficult and distressing event.”