More than 70 passengers have been evacuated after a train caught fire near Dundee railway station.
Emergency services were called to the incident just after the train had crossed the Tay Bridge at around 10.45am.
Onlookers told of seeing smoke pouring from the ScotRail engine, part of an inter-city train that was travelling between Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Passengers claimed to have smelt burning as the train started to cross the bridge.
The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries.
Passengers were eventually evacuated onto the tracks at around 2pm when a second train arrived to pick them up and transfer them to Dundee station.
Passengers ‘losing patience’ after fire on Dundee train
One passenger said people on board had been “losing patience” before the evacuation took place.
They told The Courier: “Passengers were aware of the smell of burning and smoke before the train proceeded onto the Tay Bridge.
“The train then halted other side of the bridge.
“A plan to evacuate passengers over an hour ago was set aside, but now looks like it’s going to be reinstated.
“We were due to arrive into Dundee at 10.45am – it’s now 1.35pm. Passengers are losing patience.”
Following the evacuation, they added: “Passengers had to disembark backwards via ladders onto ballast, then access the replacement train via ladders.
“Passengers went first then luggage.
“I don’t know if there are any disabled passengers on board but there is a baby on board”
Jack MacGregor, a local resident, described seeing smoke coming from the train.
He said: “I was driving along at around 11.15am.
“There were three fire engines, and then the police arrived.
“The road was closed in both directions for around five minutes while emergency services got their equipment out.
“An ambulance incident response unit arrived as well.
“There was still smoke coming from the front of the train.”
Investigation into cause of Dundee train fire
Another man who was passing the incident told The Courier: “There was smoke coming out of the engine and the firefighters were hosing it down.
“It’s stopped on the line near the flats on Riverside Drive.
“There are lots of firefighters and police parked in the layby but the road is still open.”
A British Transport Police spokesperson confirmed no one was injured.
ScotRail says an investigation will take place to establish the cause of the fire.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are assisting the emergency services following an incident involving a ScotRail train near Dundee.
“While services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen are on the move again, services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen remain suspended.”
The incident is also affecting LNER trains.
Some replacement transport has been arranged while tickets are being accepted on bus services through Fife.
- Were you on board the train? Contact us at livenews@thecourier.co.uk or message us on Facebook
Conversation