"Huge task" ahead to remove trains after collision in Salisbury tunnel
Cranes likely to be used to remove some of the damaged carriages
Network Rail say they have "huge task" ahead of them when they come to remove the trains that are stuck in a Salisbury tunnel following Sunday's crash.
A Great Western Railway service and a South Western Railway train collided in Fisherton Tunnel with both derailing.
Work to recover the trains will get underway later.
It's likely some of the more-damaged train carriages will need to be dragged from the tunnel and lifted away by cranes, before being removed by road.
A statement from Network Rail says:
"We’re so sorry for the disruption to customers and our lineside neighbours after Sunday’s accident. The railway remains closed between Salisbury and Basingstoke/Romsey, while the relevant authorities continue their investigations.
"In the meantime, we’re working closely to make sure customers are able to travel to their destinations and we would advise people check with operators’ websites for guidance.
Network Rail and industry partners are on site planning the recovery of the damaged trains and the repairs to the railway. It is likely that some of the more-damaged train carriages will need to be dragged from the tunnel and lifted away by cranes, before being removed by road.
"We will then have to replace damaged track, points and signalling, and test everything to make sure it is safe before reopening. This is a huge task and as soon as we have a good idea on how long everything will take, we will let you know.
"Thank you to everyone for their ongoing patience and understanding, we really appreciate it."
Initial findings from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch reveal one of the trains involved was "almost certainly" affected by low adhesion between the wheels and the track.
This meant it was unable to stop at a red signal, despite the driver attempting to brake on approach to the junction.