THE First Minister has confirmed there are reports of “serious injuries” after a ScotRail passenger train derailed near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.

A major incident has been declared, Nicola Sturgeon said.

Speaking at FMQs, the First Minister said: "My immediate thoughts and the thoughts of those across the chamber are with all those involved."

The Scottish Government's resilience room is also now operational, and Sturgeon said she will convene a meeting this afternoon.

Pictures posted from the scene showed at least six ambulance vehicles, an air ambulance and a number of police response cars at the scene.

Smoke could be seen billowing in the background.

Train operator ScotRail posted a message on Twitter shortly after 6.30am warning that services across Scotland would be disrupted due to "extremely heavy rain flooding".

READ MORE: Train derails in Aberdeenshire after severe weather in the area

A video shared on Facebook at 7.30am shows heavy flooding in Stonehaven.
Mick Lynch, the assistant general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: "RMT is aware of the major incident at Stonehaven and our reps are liaising directly at senior level with both Scotrail and Network Rail.

"Our priority at this time is to support our members, their colleagues and their families and to do all that we can to assist the rescue operation which RMT members are currently involved in.

"The facts behind this incident will need to be established in due course but at this stage we are focused on support and assistance and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A report was received of a train having derailed near Stonehaven at 9.40am on Wednesday, August 12.

"Emergency services are currently in attendance and the incident is ongoing."

ScotRail posted on Twitter: "We're assisting the emergency services with an incident near Stonehaven and will provide more information when available."

Sturgeon tweeted: "This is an extremely serious incident.

"I've had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved."

Local MP Andrew Bowie said he had spoken to the UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who is liaising with Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail about the derailment.

"Thoughts with every single person involved," Mr Bowie, the Tory MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said on Twitter.

"Will update more when I can."