3 dead in train crash

Three people died when a passenger train derailed in northeast Scotland on Wednesday, police said, following heavy rains and severe flooding across parts of the region overnight.

The crash occurred in the morning close to the town of Stonehaven, around 25 kilometers south of Aberdeen. Smoke could be seen rising from the scene in pictures broadcast on television news channels.

"Very sadly despite the best efforts of paramedics, we can confirm that three people have been pronounced dead at the scene," British Transport Police said in a statement.

The driver is believed to be one of the fatalities, according to police, with six other people hospitalized, although none of their injuries are thought to be serious. 

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union also told the domestic Press Association agency that the train conductor was another victim.

AFP