Investigation underway after two trains collide in Salisbury leaving several injured
One of the train drivers is among those taken to hospital
Last updated 1st Nov 2021
A "small number" of people have been taken to hospital following a collision between two trains in Salisbury last night.
The incident happened in Fisherton Tunnel close to London Road when a carriage was derailed after hitting an object, and a second train then crashed into it when signalling was damaged.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed there were no fatalities but there were a number of casualties with most described as "walking wounded."
It said a "small number" were taken to hospital to have their injuries assessed including one of the train drivers who was initially trapped in his cab.
The statement from BTP said:
"We were called to Fisherton Tunnel in Salisbury at 6.46pm tonight following reports of a train derailment which involved two passenger trains colliding.
"Officers are continuing to respond to the incident alongside our emergency service colleagues and the line is expected to be shut for some time.
"Thankfully there have been no fatalities however a number of people have been injured and a casualty centre has been opened at a nearby church.
"Most of these people are walking wounded however a small number, including the driver, have been taken to hospital where their injuries are being assessed.
"A major incident has been declared and this has been a large scale, multi-agency response working closely alongside our colleagues in Wiltshire. We will remain on scene throughout the night working to establish the full circumstances of how this incident came to happen."
Around 50 fire fighters were called to the scene from across Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had helped evacuate "approximately 100 people" from the scene.
A Network Rail spokesperson said:
"At around 7pm this evening, the rear carriage of the 1708 Great Western Railway service from Portsmouth Harbour to Bristol Temple Meads derailed after striking an object on its approach to Salisbury station.
"The derailment knocked out all of the signalling in the area. Subsequently, the 1720 South Western Railway service from London Waterloo to Honiton then collided with the Bristol train."
After the incident unfolded, the derailed train was believed to be on its side, but the South Western Railway (SWR) train was upright.
Investigation underway
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: "My thoughts go out to those affected by the serious rail incident near Salisbury."
He said the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail and Road will investigate, adding: "We need to understand how this happened to prevent in the future."
Transport Salaried Staffs Association general secretary Manuel Cortes said the incident was "a very sobering reminder about why safety on our railways is always paramount".
Claire Mann, managing director of South Western Railway, said it is "too early to speculate" about the crash and said the company is waiting for the outcome of an investigation
Avoid the area
The train line through Salisbury remains closed today while investigation work continues.
Great Western Railway is advising passengers to avoid the area.