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Two passenger trains have crashed and at least one has derailed following an incident near a rail junction in Wiltshire.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene at Fisherton Tunnel between Andover and Salisbury following the collision at around 7.20pm this evening.
Up to a dozen passengers are believed to have been injured in the incident, describing them as ‘walking wounded’.
There are also reports that one of the trains’ drivers is trapped inside the cabin.
It is understood that a Portsmouth Harbour service to Bristol Temple Meads hit an object as it came out of the tunnel and caused the rear carriage to derail and smash into signalling.
A South Western Railway service from London Waterloo to Honiton is then reported to have collided with the rear of the derailed train.
Two passenger trains have crashed on tracks near Salisbury, Wiltshire. It is believed a GWR service hit an object on the line and derailed, before a South Western train collided with the derailed carriage. There are reports of a dozen people being injured
Around 50 firefighters as well as Wiltshire Police and ambulance are at the scene
Locals who live around a mile away described hearing a massive ‘bang’ and said the collision appeared to be on the approach to Salisbury station from the east
Signalling for the area has been wiped out, with South Western Railway warning that all lines running through Salisbury and Andover are currently blocked while an investigation takes place.
Footage from the scene shows passengers walking along the tracks towards safety as emergency workers use flashlights to guide them through darkness.
At least two helicopters have landed at the scene, according to reports.
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.’
The derailed GWR train is believed to be on its side, but the South Western Railway train is upright.
A critical incident has been declared and the line will remain closed at the country end of Salisbury.
British Transport Police said a casualty centre has been set up at St Mark’s Church, in St Mark’s Avenue in the city.
Disruption to services in the area is expected to last through to the end of the day.
British Transport Police said: ‘We are currently responding to an incident at Fisherton Tunnel, Salisbury. Officers were called at 6.46pm this evening following reports a train derailed.
‘We are on scene alongside paramedics and the fire brigade.’
Source: dailymail
