FLOWERS have been laid by firefighters in memory of the victims of the Stonehaven train derailment.
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, died when the Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street train crashed into a landslide across the tracks on Wednesday.
Investigators said the train derailed and slid approximately 90 metres before hitting and destroying a barrier on the edge of a bridge, leading the front power car and one carriage to fall down an embankment.
Fire crew members and Fire Brigades Union (FBU) officials laid three bouquets of flowers at Aberdeen railway station on Tuesday as a mark of respect to the victims.
Denise Christie, FBU Scotland regional secretary, said: “What happened at Stonehaven was heartbreaking and we send our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost.
“This was a tragic incident that never should have happened.
“We have laid flowers in memory of the victims and will join our comrades in Aslef and RMT observing a minute’s silence.”
She added: “No-one should lose their life through their work.
“We have offered our support and assistance to those involved in this traumatic incident and will continue to support firefighters for as long as it takes.”
Four firefighters were injured after being struck by an apparently uncontrolled vehicle while responding to the incident.
Two were treated by ambulance services at the scene and a further two were taken to hospital after suffering an impact injury to an ankle and a laceration to the shoulder and head.
Both have since been released and neither’s injuries are considered life-altering.
A one-minute silence will take place in Scotland’s railway stations on Wednesday as a mark of respect to the three people who died.
Stations will fall silent at 9.43am to commemorate a week since the fatal derailment was reported.
The FBU has sent a letter of condolences and solidarity to the Scottish branches of the RMT and Aslef unions.
It has also encouraged its members to observe the minute’s silence.
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