A train driver involved in a crash at the weekend suffered “life-changing injuries”, police have said.
Two trains collided in a tunnel in Salisbury, Wiltshire, at around 6.45pm on Sunday.
British Transport Police said on Monday: “Thirteen people were taken to hospital by ambulance, where they have received treatment for minor injuries. One remains there.
“Unfortunately, the driver of the train was more seriously injured and his injuries are believed to be life-changing.
“He also remains in hospital in a stable condition this morning, and his family have been informed.”
Network Rail issued a statement around three hours after the crash which said the rear carriage of the 5.08pm GWR service from Portsmouth Harbour to Bristol Temple Meads derailed after “striking an object” on its approach to Salisbury station.
It went on: “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.”
The Government-owned company sent out a new statement on Monday morning which read: “We’ve had lots of contradictory information about what led to the collision last night but all remains wild speculation until the multi-agency investigations establish the facts.
“Experience has shown us from past incidents that information and speculation in the immediate aftermath of an accident rarely proves to stand up to the rigour of the calm and professional investigation that follows.”
After the incident, the derailed train was believed to be on its side, but the SWR train was upright.
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s safety and engineering director, said passengers “must have had a really scary experience, and we’re very sorry for that”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We’re obviously starting now a very detailed and forensic investigation into what happened.
“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) are on site and they’re incredibly thorough in the work that they do.
“And that’ll help us learn from this, and that’s why these events are very rare, because we follow it up very, very carefully, and make sure that we do everything possible to prevent it for the future.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews had helped evacuate “approximately 100 people” from the scene.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister’s thoughts “remain with those who were affected by the incident”, adding that the Government was investing to ensure Britain’s rail network remains “one of the safest in the world”.
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