What caused the Salisbury train crash?

AN investigation has been launched after two trains collided near Salisbury on Sunday evening.

The latest indications are that 17 people were injured in the incident while the driver of one of the trains had been trapped in the cab.

Hyde News & PicturesIt’s thought a total of 17 people were injured in the incident on Sunday evening[/caption]

What caused the Salisbury train crash?

Early reports have indicated the Great Western Rail service from Portsmouth Harbour to Bristol Temple Meads struck a mystery object – causing the rear carriage to derail and cause signalling damage.

Seven minutes later the 17:20 South West Rail train from London Waterloo to Honiton in Devon sped through the Fisherton Tunnel near Salisbury, Wiltshire, and crashed into the other train leaving dozens of passengers injured.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s safety and engineering director, said it was too early to say what had caused the collision although early reports say a train hit an object on the line.

He said: “Passengers must have had a really scary experience and we’re very sorry for that.

“A detailed forensic investigation into what happened is now taking place.”

Speaking about the possibility that there was an object on the line, he said: “It’s far too early to speculate and there is a lot of contradictory information.

“It’s the start of the process so we really don’t know the facts at this point.”

What are the casualties at Fisherton Tunnel?

A total of 17 people are said to have been injured in the incident and one of the drivers was left trapped in their cab.

British Transport Police (BTP) said “a number of people” were injured in the incident, which occurred at Fisherton Tunnel close to London Road in the city.

The fire service said they evacuated about 100 people.

A casualty centre was set up at St Marks Church after the major incident unfolded just before 7pm on Sunday.

SolentTrain services on the Salisbury line have been cancelled on Monday due to the collision[/caption]

What train lines have been affected?

SWR trains between Exeter and Basingstoke and GWR trains between Westbury and Portsmouth are affected on Monday, Network Rail said.

Customers are urged not to travel on that part of the network.

Network Rail said the line through Salisbury remains closed on November 1 due to the collision.

A joint statement from Great Western Railway and Network rail said: “At 6.45 a GWR and an SWR train collided just outside Fisherton Tunnel near Sailsbury.

“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.”