Train Crash Horror in Salisbury Tunnel
British Transport Police have launched an investigation after two passenger trains collided inside Fisherton Tunnel, Salisbury, last night (31 October).
At around 6.45pm, a Great Western Railway service from Southampton to Cardiff crashed into a South Western Railway train running from London to Honiton. Both were travelling the same way when one slammed into the side of the other, causing several carriages to derail and tip over inside the tunnel.
Passengers Injured as Rear Carriages Tip Over
There were 92 passengers on board both trains. Around 30 sought help at a casualty centre set up in a nearby church. Most suffered minor injuries and were treated on site.
- 13 people taken to hospital with minor injuries
- One passenger still receiving treatment this morning
- Train driver seriously injured with life-changing wounds
The train driver sustained serious injuries believed to be life-changing. He remains in hospital in stable condition. His family have been informed.
Big Probe Underway as Rescue Phase Ends
The rescue operation has ended, but the investigation is just beginning. The trains will stay in place for some time while detectives piece together what happened.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley said: “This will no doubt have been an incredibly frightening experience for all those involved and our thoughts are with them and their families today.
Specialist officers remain on scene, working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail and Road to uncover exactly how these two trains collided.
We are keeping an open mind but, so far, there’s no sign the train hit any object or that there was a significant delay between the collision and the derailment.
This has been a large scale, multi-agency operation. I want to thank our emergency service colleagues for safely evacuating passengers and the local community for their help.”
