The British Transport Police (BTP) and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) last night released statements on the Salisbury train crash.
17 people were injured when two passenger trains crashed into each other and detailed in Fisherton Tunnel shortly before 7pm yesterday (Sunday, 31 October).
FULL STORY: Major incident declared in Salisbury after two trains collide and derail in tunnel
Inspector Mullah Hoque from BTP said: “We were called to Fisherton Tunnel in Salisbury at 6.46pm tonight following reports of a train derailment which involved two passenger trains colliding.
“Officers are continuing to respond to the incident alongside our emergency service colleagues and the line is expected to be shut for some time.
“Thankfully there have been no fatalities however a number of people have been injured and a casualty centre has been opened at a nearby church. Most of these people are walking wounded however a small number, including the driver, have been taken to hospital where their injuries are being assessed.
“A major incident has been declared and this has been a large scale, multi-agency response working closely alongside our colleagues in Wiltshire. We will remain on scene throughout the night working to establish the full circumstances of how this incident came to happen.”
ACFO Andy Cole from DWFRS said: “Firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been on scene this evening dealing with the train crash this evening.
“We have carried out a thorough search of all train carriages. We have assisted in the evacuation of approximately 100 people. We do not believe there to be any further casualties on board the train and there are no fatalities.
“We will shortly be scaling down our response, however we will have resources on scene for the next few hours.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support this evening as this incident has unfolded.”
