A driver has finally been released from his cab after two trains crashed inside a railway tunnel just outside of Salisbury.
One Great Western Railway train is believed to be on its side after derailing inside the Fisherton tunnel in what has been declared a “major incident” by Wiltshire Fire Service.
British Transport Police (BTP) said they were called at 6.46pm on Sunday following reports of a train derailed.
They added: “A number of people have been injured, but thankfully no one has died.”
The BBC reported that about 12 people are thought to have been injured and one of the drivers was believed to be trapped in their cab.
All passengers have been evacuated and injuries are believed to be minor, with sources describing people as “walking wounded”.
Salisbury MP John Glen tweeted: “Desperately concerned for the welfare of the many passengers and drivers involved in the two-train crash and derailment at Fisherton tunnel outside Salisbury. The trapped driver has now been released - thank you to all the emergency services for their coordinated efforts.”
The BTP added that a casualty centre has been set up at the nearby St Mark’s Church with locals gathering blankets and hot drinks for the passengers as they are evacuated.
Neighbours reported helicopters circling the scene and landing in the streets nearby as paramedics rushed into the tunnel.
Network Rail reported that the Great Western 1708 Portsmouth Harbour to Bristol Temple Meads hit an object as it came out of the tunnel near Salisbury station and the last carriage derailed.
This then knocked signals in the area before the 1720 SWR service from London Waterloo to Honiton collided with that service inside the tunnel.
Neighbours described the Fisherton Tunnel as tight and “very deep cutting” which could make it difficult for emergency services to reach any passengers.
One resident told The Standard: “Helicopters have landed in my street. All emergency services are on site. Hard to say what is happening as it’s in a tunnel with no way of seeing, not that I want to.
“I only went through there myself yesterday.”
Two trains have crashed between Salisbury and Andover. Our thoughts are with those affected.
— Gemma Gibson (@journal_gem) October 31, 2021
Currently near the scene with emergency services: pic.twitter.com/ZswrIxpIf9
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch they were deploying inspectors to the site of a collision between the two trains near Salisbury Tunnel Junction.
They added: “On arrival they will commence a preliminary examination of the scene.”
