South Western train crash: '12 people hurt' and driver trapped after 2 trains ‘collide’ as one derails near Salisbury

TWELVE people have reportedly been injured tonight after two trains collided when one derailed with fears a driver is trapped in a cabin.

Authorities have declared a major incident and set up a casualty centre with 50 firefighters rushed to Fisherton Tunnel, near Salisbury, with reports that one of the trains is on its side.

Network Rail tonight confirmed the crash unfolded when one of the trains derailed after hitting an object, and a second train then collided with it when signalling was affected.

About a dozen passengers are believed to have been hurt with reports they are "walking wounded".

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

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "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.

"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 spokesman from British Transport Police said: “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.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We are currently at the scene of a train crash involving two trains between Andover and Salisbury.

"We are responding with the fire and ambulance service at the site close to Grateley. Will update as soon as we have more information."

There are currently 50 firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue on the scene.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch confirmed that they will be launching a probe into the incident.

SouthWestern Railway confirmed that they were investigating a problem between Salisbury and Grateley. 

A spokesman said: "The line is closed as they carry out their work, and we appreciate our customers' patience as we are doing all we can to help as they respond to the incident."

A GreatWesternRailway spokesman added: "We've received reports of an incident currently under investigation between Salisbury and Grately.

"Train services may be disrupted through the area. More information will follow."

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