Train conductor killed in Stonehaven rail tragedy named as Donald Dinnie

Train conductor Donald Dinnie’s death has been confirmed by a devastated cousin on social media (Picture: Getty)

The second victim of the Stonehaven rail crash has been named locally as train conductor Donald Dinnie.

Tributes have poured in for ‘absolute gem’ Donald who ‘always had a smile on his face’ after he died when a train derailed and burst into flames following a night of torrential rain in Aberdeenshire, Scotland on Wednesday.

Driver Brett McCullough was also named locally as one of the three people who lost their lives last night, while the tragedy also resulted in six others being taken to hospital with injuries.

Donald’s heartbroken cousin confirmed her relative was involved on social media on Wednesday evening.

Taking to Facebook, Linda Spark wrote: ‘So sad that one of our relatives Donald Dinnie was a victim of the train accident in Aberdeen. Why is it always the good ones?’

A number of other people soon posted moving tributes to the train conductor, saying ‘you couldn’t have met a nicer man’.

Marie Ewan wrote: ‘Can’t believe I’m writing this. RIP Don you will never be forgotten.

‘Jenna and William are going to be looking for the brightest star in sky and they will know it’s you. Keep the smile on your face like always. RIP Donald Dinnie.’

Donald ‘always had a smile on his face’

Driver Brett McCullough also lost his life in the tragedy

Linda Patrick posted: ‘An absolute gem of a guy he will be sadly missed by lots if people.’

Donna Mckessick commented: ‘I worked on the tea trolleys for years at the railway. He was lovely. So tragic for all involved especially the families of those who lost loved ones today.’

Neil Duncan said: ‘Absolutely shocked to learn Donald is not with us any more. He was a great guy, always up for a laugh. Thinking of his family at this time.’

Michelle Wildgoose wrote: ‘Thoughts with all the families friends and colleagues of those involved today. Recognise Donnie from my commute to Inverurie. Couldn’t have met a nicer man and always welcomed you with a smile. RIP’

Officials at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have now launched a formal investigation into the tragic incident.

Addressing media later on Wednesday, BTP chief inspector Brian McAleese said they ‘will also be working closely with them along with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Road and Rail to establish the full circumstances of how this train came to derail’.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the Scottish Government’s Michael Matheson are both set to visit the area today and meet members of the emergency services who assisted in the crash.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Shapps said: ‘I express my deepest condolences to the friends and families of those affected in the tragic incident near Stonehaven.

Derailed carriages are seen at the scene of a train crash near Stonehaven in northeast Scotland on August 12, 2020 (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

The tragedy took three lives and injured six people (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

‘My department is in close contact with all relevant parties, including our counterparts in the Scottish Government, to provide any support that is required.

‘I want to pay tribute to the emergency services and rail workers, who have responded so quickly in these distressing circumstances.

‘The safety of passengers and staff is and has always been our upmost priority and we will ensure that lessons are learned from this tragic incident once the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has carried out its investigation.’

The Queen has sent her ‘thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have died and those who have been injured’ last night, while Boris Johnson has promised an investigation would ‘make sure that nothing like this happens again’.

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