Diesel spill fear over train crash

Environmental officers are probing a train wreck over fears thousands of litres of diesel could pour out following a crash.


A train on the Glasgow to Oban line derailed and caught fire late on Sunday night (June 6) and while the focus is on moving the train fears remain over large quantities of diesel on board.

Around 60 people onboard largely escaped the crash unharmed but two engine carriages, each according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) carrying 1600 litres of diesel, are among the wreckage.

Following a request from the police two officers from the (SEPA) have been at the site of the crash.

SEPA’s West Highland and Argyll team manager, Jim Frame, said: “Until the incident site is declared safe, we cannot confirm whether any diesel has been lost or spilled from the derailed carriage.

“However, oil retention equipment has already been made available on site and can be deployed in Loch Awe and on the minor tributaries below the carriage to contain any spillages.”

Mr Frame added that a fish farm close to the crash on Loch Awe has been warned and SEPA would continue to monitor the situation.

Luke Walsh

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