Forty passengers were evacuated from a ScotRail train this morning after smoke was detected filling the carriages, forcing emergency services to rush to the scene between Gleneagles and Dunblane.
Fire crews descended on the service, which departed Inverness at 5.36am, after passengers reported a “strange smell” that developed into visible smoke during the journey. The train was halted on the line as emergency protocols were activated to ensure passenger safety.
All passengers were swiftly removed from the affected train and transferred to another Perth-bound service. ScotRail confirmed there were no reported injuries following the incident, though the experience left passengers shaken.
Passenger Wakes to Smoke-Filled Carriage
Sarah MacMath, 35, who was travelling on the service, told the BBC she had fallen asleep during the journey and awoke to find “lots of smoke” in her carriage. The passenger explained that warning signs had emerged earlier in the journey.
“We did notice there was a bit of a funny smell from Aviemore or Kingussie – just a strange smell,” MacMath said. “I dozed off and woke up when the train stopped near Gleneagles and there was quite a lot of smoke in the carriage.”
She described how announcements were made instructing passengers to move to safety: “The person then came over the loud speaker and asked us to either move to the end carriage or the first carriage.”
Heavy Smoke and Strong Smell
The situation deteriorated rapidly once the train came to a stop. MacMath recalled the moment she stood up to evacuate: “At that point, I stood up and there was a pretty heavy smell of smoke and there was quite a lot of it in the carriage.”
The smoke incident triggered immediate safety protocols, with crew members working to ensure all passengers were moved away from the affected areas. The swift response helped prevent any injuries despite the potentially dangerous situation.
Fire crews were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the train was safe. The emergency response highlighted the seriousness of smoke incidents on rail services, where confined spaces can quickly become hazardous.
Service Delivery Director Confirms Safe Evacuation
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, confirmed that all passengers had been safely removed from the train following established emergency procedures.
“The 05:36 Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street service was brought to a stop near Gleneagles this morning after reports of smoke being detected in one of the carriages,” Ilderton stated.
He emphasised the operator’s priorities during the incident: “Our immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board, and customers have been safely assisted from the train.”
Train Removed to Glasgow Depot
Following the evacuation, arrangements were made to remove the affected train from service. ScotRail confirmed the train is currently being taken back to a depot in Glasgow for thorough inspection and investigation.
The removal of the train from active service ensures that technical teams can conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of the smoke. This investigation will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Widespread Service Disruptions
The incident has triggered significant delays across ScotRail’s network, with the operator warning of ongoing disruptions to multiple routes. Services between Glasgow Queen Street and Inverness, as well as Edinburgh Waverley and Inverness, face delays as the network adjusts to the incident.
ScotRail has advised passengers to check before travelling and to allow extra time for their journeys whilst services recover from the morning’s disruption. The knock-on effects are expected to impact services throughout the day.
Previous Fire Incident Raises Concerns
Today’s evacuation comes after another concerning incident earlier this year when a ScotRail train caught fire near Dundee. Pictures from that incident showed smoke billowing from the engine, forcing the service to stop at Riverside Drive.
The Dundee incident blocked all lines and sparked major delays for passengers, with subsequent services altered or cancelled. Over 70 passengers were evacuated during that incident, which occurred in February 2025.
National Rail had stated after the Dundee incident: “A fault on a train between Dundee and Leuchars means that all lines are blocked. Trains running between Dundee and Kirkcaldy may be cancelled, delayed or revised.”
Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
The recurrence of smoke-related incidents on ScotRail services raises questions about maintenance procedures and the age of rolling stock. Whilst today’s incident resulted in no injuries, the potential risks of smoke in confined train carriages remain a serious concern.
Railway safety experts emphasise that smoke incidents require immediate action due to the limited escape routes available on moving trains and the rapid spread of smoke through ventilation systems.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch typically examines serious incidents involving smoke or fire on trains to identify any systemic issues that need addressing across the network.
Passenger Advice During Emergencies
ScotRail reminds passengers of the importance of reporting any unusual smells or signs of smoke immediately to train crew. Early detection and reporting can prevent minor issues from escalating into major incidents.
In the event of smoke on a train, passengers are advised to alert staff immediately, move away from the affected area if safe to do so, and follow crew instructions for evacuation if required.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining alert during train journeys and not ignoring warning signs such as unusual smells that could indicate developing problems.
Investigation to Determine Cause
ScotRail has confirmed that a full investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the smoke. Technical teams will examine all aspects of the affected train, including electrical systems, brakes, and engine components.
The investigation findings will be crucial in determining whether this was an isolated incident or indicative of broader maintenance issues requiring attention across the fleet.
As Scotland’s rail network continues to modernise, incidents like today’s highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining an ageing fleet whilst ensuring passenger safety remains paramount.
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Image Credit:
This is a licensed photograph:
- View to the east from Carfin Railway Station, North Lanarkshire, Scotland – Train for Shotts – Description: View to the east from Carfin Railway Station, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Train for Shotts.jpg, by Rosser1954, taken on 24 September 2018 at 12:45:38, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution‑ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY‑SA 4.0)
