INVESTIGATIONS are underway to determine what caused two trains to crash last night, October 31.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7pm, when what has been described as an object on the tracks caused a train to derail.

The train going to Bristol was at a standstill, and with signals affected, a train on route to Honiton crashed straight into it, near Fisherton Tunnel in Salisbury.

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Following what has been declared a major incident, the line will remain shut today, November 1, as police continue investigating what happened.

There were no fatalities, but a number of passengers were taken to hospital for checks and treatment, including one of the train drivers.

Others were taken to St Mark's Church, which had transformed into a casualty centre.

The trains remain onsite this morning, where the crash took place.

British Transport Police officers were "on scene throughout the night", and released the following statement: "We were called to Fisherton Tunnel in Salisbury at 6.46pm 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."

Firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were also at the scene last night. 

Over 50 firefighters were involved in helping passengers on the two trains which collided.

After receiving the 999 call at 6.58pm, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent crews from Salisbury (x2), Wilton, Amesbury and Tisbury, supported by an incident command vehicle from Devizes and a heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge; Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service sent crews from Andover, Redbridge and Stockbridge, together with a heavy rescue unit from Redbridge.

A statement issued by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service last night said: "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."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support this evening as this incident has unfolded," the statement added. 

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