TWO trains collided between Salisbury and Andover yesterday evening.

At 6.46pm, two trains carrying passengers were involved in a crash in Fisherton Tunnel.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have said that around 50 firefighters attended the scene.

British Transport Police said that no one died in the crash.

Victims at the scene were directed to St Marks Church, in St Mark’s Avenue, Salisbury, where a casualty centre had been set up.

Following the incident, 13 casualties were treated at Salisbury District Hospital, with four casualties admitted, one patient discharged and three remain as inpatients and are in a stable condition.

A Network Rail spokesperson said the rear carriage derailed after striking an object: "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."

South Western Railway has announced that disruption to train services is to be expected until the end of Thursday (November 4).

The company said that this is "due to a problem currently under investigation" between Salisbury and Andover, meaning the lines are blocked.

A mother who was out trick or treating with her family nearby has likened the noise of the train crash to "a bomb".

Tamar Vellacott said she was walking outside with her young children, mother and partner on Jewell Close, Bishopdown, around a kilometre from the scene.

“It was a noise we’ve never heard before… my young ones started panicking thinking it was a bomb and we said maybe a lorry had crashed on the London Road and not to panic,” the 25-year-old told PA.

“There was no screeching like brakes, just a long rumbling sound like thunder hitting the railway line.

“It did spook us though, so we decided to get in our car and drive home to Laverstock where three police cars passed us at speed.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said investigations into the crash would be undertaken in order to help prevent similar “serious” incidents in future.

“My thoughts go out to those affected by the serious rail incident near Salisbury,” Mr Shapps tweeted.

“Emergency services on scene & we are working closely with @networkrail & operators.

“The @railgovuk & @railandroad will investigate. We need to understand how this happened to prevent in the future.”

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