A major incident has been declared after two trains collided in a tunnel in Salisbury.
Emergency services were called to the serious incident on the railway line near London Road in the city shortly before 7pm this evening (31 October).
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, the HM Coastguard from Wales and two National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters – from Bournemouth and Oxford- have been in attendance.
At least 12 people are believed to have been injured, with 999 crews are expected to remain working at the scene for the foreseeable future.
It’s believed one casualty has been taken to Southampton Hospital’s major trauma centre by air ambulance.
The British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed there have been no fatalities.
Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, supported by neighbouring Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, have in excess of 50 firefighters at the incident.
“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”, a Network Rail spokesperson said.
They continued: “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.”
A spokesperson for BTP wrote: “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.
“A casualty centre has been set up at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Ave, SP1 3DL.”
