THREE people have died after a Glasgow-bound train derailed leaving Aberdeen. 

The driver is among those who have died after a ScotRail train bound for Glasgow came off the tracks in Stonehaven and six people have been taken to hospital, according to the British Transport Police. 

Pictures posted from the scene showed at least six ambulance vehicles, an air ambulance and a number of police response cars at the scene.
Smoke could be seen billowing in the background.

Train operator ScotRail posted a message on Twitter shortly after 6.30am warning that services across Scotland would be disrupted due to "extremely heavy rain flooding". A video shared on Facebook at 7.30am shows heavy flooding in Stonehaven.

Mick Lynch, the assistant general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: "RMT is aware of the major incident at Stonehaven and our reps are liaising directly at senior level with both Scotrail and Network Rail.

"Our priority at this time is to support our members, their colleagues and their families and to do all that we can to assist the rescue operation which RMT members are currently involved in.

"The facts behind this incident will need to be established in due course but at this stage we are focused on support and assistance and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A report was received of a train having derailed near Stonehaven at 9.40am on Wednesday, August 12.
"Emergency services are currently in attendance and the incident is ongoing."

HM Chief Inspector of Railways Ian Prosser, said: “We are saddened by today’s incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.

"ORR Inspectors are on site at Stonehaven, assisting in the preliminary investigation. We will work with other agencies, including the emergency services, to find out exactly what happened and identify the causes of this tragic incident.”