BREAKING: Train crash in Salisbury

Major incident declared

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 31st Oct 2021
Last updated 31st Oct 2021

A major incident has been declared after two trains collided in Salisbury this evening.

It happened in Fisherton Tunnel near London Road just before 7pm.

Network rail says one train was left on its side after "striking an object" on its approach to Salisbury Station before another train collided with it.

British Transport Police say several people have been injured but there have been no fatalaties.

One of the drivers was initially trapped in his cab but has been released by fire-fighters and taken to hospital.

A casualty centre has been set up at the nearby St Mark's Church.

MAJOR INCIDENT DECLARED:

Wiltshire Police declared a major incident following the incident with the air ambulance called to the scene.

50 fire-fighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue along with Hampshire Fire Service are also in attendance.

TRAIN STRIKES OBJECT BEFORE DERAILING

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.

"There are reports of injuries and the emergency services are on site along with railway first responders."