A major incident was declared on Sunday (31 October) due to a train collision and derailment near Salisbury Station. British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed no one was killed; however at least 17 people were treated for injuries.
Emergency services responded to the incident in Fisherton Tunnel near Salisbury Station, which involved two passenger trains colliding - around 100 people were evacuated from the scene.
The 17.08 GWR (Great Western Railway) service between Portsmouth Harbour and Bristol Temple Meads and the 17.20 SWR (South Western Railway) service from London Waterloo to Honiton were involved, Network Rail confirmed. It is understood the two trains crashed at 18.46 GMT.
The line was closed on 'Sunday night while the emergency responders carried out their work and it was expected to be shut 'for some time' the British Transport Police said.
A casualty centre was opened at a nearby church. Most of those injured were 'walking wounded'; however 'a small number including the [train] driver have been taken to the hospital where their injuries are being assessed' the Police said.
The incident sparked a large scale multi-agency response. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said it had deployed inspectors 'to the site of the collision between two trains near Salisbury Tunnel Junction' and on arrival they would 'commence a preliminary examination of the scene'.
A BTP statement read: '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.'
GWR said: 'All customers and colleagues are accounted for and a number of people have been taken to hospital. Our thoughts are with them and we thank them for their patience and understanding this evening.
'The railway will be closed in the area on Monday, affecting SWR trains between Exeter and Basingstoke, and GWR trains between Westbury and Portsmouth, while specialist teams continue their investigations and we urge customers not to travel on this part of the network.
'We will be co-operating fully with the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to understand how this incident happened.'
A spokesperson for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said: 'ORR safety inspectors are on site this morning, working with the RAIB and the BTP to investigate how this incident happened.
'It is too early to speculate on the cause, and our investigation will work to understand the full circumstances. Our thoughts are with all the passengers that were injured.'
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login