There is “nothing to suggest the train struck an object” before it was hit by another train, the British Transport Police (BTP) has revealed.
A senior detective has been appointed to lead the investigation into the train crash in Fisherton Tunnel, Salisbury, yesterday evening (31 October).
At a press conference held this afternoon (1 November), the BTP announced the train driver suffered “life-changing injuries” in the incident.
Most notable, the force confirmed that detectives are now leading the investigation and there is “nothing to suggest the train struck an object” before it derailed and was struck by a second train.
“Both trains were travelling in the same direction and one train struck the side of the other, causing it to derail whilst in the tunnel. The front few carriages remained upright while the back tipped on their side”, a spokesperson said.
“We have now moved out of the rescue phase of the operation and into the investigation which will involve the trains remaining in situ for some time. The investigation remains at an early stage but a senior detective has been appointed to lead the enquiries as we work to establish the full circumstances of how this incident came to happen.
“This will no doubt have been an incredibly frightening experience for all those involved and our thoughts are with them and their families today.
“Specialist officers and detectives remain on scene in Salisbury and we are working closely alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road to establish exactly how these two trains came to collide.
“We are keeping an open mind but at this early stage there has been nothing to suggest the train struck an object or that there was any significant delay between the trains colliding and then one derailing.
“92 passengers were on both train services. Around thirty people attended a casualty centre which was set up in a nearby church, the majority of who were walking wounded and assessed at the scene.
“Fourteen people were taken to hospital by ambulance where they have received treatment for minor injuries. Two remain there this morning.
“Unfortunately, the driver of the train was more seriously injured and his injuries are believed to be life-changing. He remains in hospital in a stable condition this morning, and his family have been informed.”
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