Wiltshire PCC and Salisbury mayor visit scene of train crash

Describing the crash as "terrifying and extremely traumatic for all involved", PCC Philip Wilkinson expressed his relief to the Journal that there were no fatalities.

Investigations are now underway to determine what caused the two trains to crash last night near Fisherton Tunnel.

As part of the investigations, part of London Road has now been closed to the public, and diversions are in place.

Read more: Live updates after train crash in Fisherton Tunnel including travel information

Mr Wilkinson said: “My thoughts are very much with all those injured last night, and the train driver in particular who we now know has sadly suffered life-changing injuries.

“Last night, the images coming from the incident were horrifying but, in the cold light of day, you can see just how easily we could have a very different situation on our hands.

“As ever the actions of our emergency service workers have been exemplary and I would like to thank them all for their swiftness and the co-ordinated, joined-up, response which delivered all passengers to safety.

“I am proud to work alongside such professionalism in the face of such dark circumstances."

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust confirmed earlier today that four passengers were admitted to the city's hospital, and of those one man remains onsite, to hopefully be discharged today.

The trains in the early hours of November 1 - Picture from PA

“Those injured received excellent care in hospital and I hope others who have been part of such a terrifying and traumatic experience take up any offers of support or counselling they may need," the PCC added.

“Now attention will turn to the cause of the crash and we will all be paying close attention to any findings and monitoring the outcome.”

Mr Wilkinson also praised Salisbury residents for their "selfless response" to the incident, with many offering their help to the passengers.

The evacuation centre set up nearby, based in St Mark's Church, offered all affected the chance to pause and reflect.

“Salisbury’s resilience and ability to offer help in times of crisis is to be commended,” he said.

“I am hearing stories of residents helping passengers, staffing the evacuation centre and bringing all sorts of blankets and coats to keep people warm.

“We also had people on hand to offer a helping hand and a kind ear to listen to people’s experiences as they came to terms with what had just happened.

“This is Salisbury and its community spirit at its best.”

Salisbury Mayor Caroline Corbin, whose husband Councillor Tom Corbin is a train driver, said the incident has left her and the city shocked.

Also at the scene of the crash this morning, she said: “I am truly sorry to hear about the train crash which occurred in our city last night. I am hugely relieved that there were no fatalities and wish those who were injured in the collision a speedy recovery."

Salisbury Mayor Caroline Corbin attends the scene of the train crash in Salisbury on November 1, 2021

She added: “I would like to thank our fantastic emergency services for their response to the incident and thank you also to all the members of our community who helped.

“It’s important that passengers involved last night are able to access the appropriate mental health support to help them process what must have been a terrifying experience.”

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