Two trains have collided in Salisbury tonight (October 31).
The collision is believed to have occurred at the Fisherton Tunnel in cirry.
The incident happened around 7 p.m.
The two trains involved:
- 17.08 GWR service between Portsmouth Harbor and Bristol Temple Meads
- 17.20 SWR service from London Waterloo to Honiton
There are reports of injuries, although the exact number is still unclear.
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “We are currently responding to an incident at the Fisherton Tunnel, Salisbury. Officers were called at 6.46pm tonight following reports that a train had been derailed.
“We are on site with paramedics and firefighters.”
Are you on site? Did you see what happened? Please contact per charlie.jones@reachplc.com
For the latest updates on this development story, follow our live blog below.
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
No one is dead
British transport police have confirmed that no one died in the collision despite a series of injuries.
A spokesman said: “Officers continue to respond to the incident at the Fisherton Tunnel. A number of people have been injured, but fortunately no one is dead.”
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
The first pictures from the scene
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
Investigators of railway accidents are on their way
Investigators from the Railway Accident Investigation Department are on their way to the scene
A spokesman said: “RAIB is sending inspectors to the site of a collision between two trains near the Salisbury Tunnel Junction. Upon arrival, they will begin a preliminary investigation of the site.”
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
Passengers are believed to be minor injuries
Reports suggest that all passengers have been evacuated and the damage is believed to be minor.
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
Critical incident decaled
The derailed train is believed to be on the side, but the SWR train is standing upright.
A critical incident has been declared and the line will remain closed at the land end of Salisbury.
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
The first train derailed and the second collided with it
A spokesman for Network Rail said: “Around 7pm tonight, the rear carriage on 17.08 derailed the Great Western Railway service from Portsmouth Harbor to Bristol Temple Meads after hitting an object as it approached Salisbury station.
‘The derailment knocked out all signaling in the area. Subsequently collided at. 17.20 South Western Railway from London Waterloo to Honiton by Bristol train.
“There are reports of injuries and the emergency services are on site along with the railway’s first aiders.”
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
‘Dozens of passengers are injured.
Sources told the PA news agency that up to a dozen passengers are believed to have been injured in the incident, describing them as “walking injured”.
British Transport Police have set up a casualty center at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Ave, SP1 3DL.
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
What services were involved
The two trains involved:
- 17.08 GWR service between Portsmouth Harbor and Bristol Temple Meads
- 17.20 SWr service from London Waterloo to Honiton
The line remains closed after the incident.
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
Trains are ‘derailed’
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “We are currently responding to an incident at the Fisherton Tunnel, Salisbury. Officers were called at 6.46pm tonight following reports that a train was derailing.
“We are on site with paramedics and firefighters. Further updates will be shared here.”
Charlie Lawrence-Jones
What we know so far
- Two trains have collided near Salisbury, according to initial reports
- Firefighters, ambulances and police are on the scene near Gateley between Salisbury and Andover
- BTP reports that one of the trains has been derailed
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