More details about the rescue efforts after the double train crash in Salisbury were given by the fire service who attended the scene. 

Over 50 firefighters from Wiltshire and Dorset Fire Service attended the scene of a collision between a SWR and GWR train at Salisbury Station Junction which took place on 6.45 on on October 31st. 

Incident Commander Wayne Jones answered questions from the Journal about the fire service's response, including their first impressions of the crash site and key challenges they faced. 

When did you get called to respond to the Salisbury train crash incident? 

We were called at 6.58pm and the first crew in attendance was on scene by 7.05pm.

When you arrived at the scene, what were the steps taken by firefighters to release the passengers safely? 

In the main, firefighters helped passengers to climb down from the carriages and move to a position of safety.

What did you think about the damage you saw when you arrived? 

We certainly approached the incident in the expectation of more people needing to be rescued, rather than helped.

How long after the collision were passengers waiting to be released? 

All passengers had left the trains by 8pm.

Were there any challenges that presented themselves? 

The main challenges were the sheer numbers of people on and around the tracks, the understandable worry of those affected, and being able to release the driver as quickly and safely as possible, working with ambulance colleagues and being mindful of his injuries.

What steps were taken to free the driver from the carriage? 

The driver needed to be cut free from the cab of his train, and this was achieved by 8.25pm.

Is there a message you'd like to send out? 

This was clearly a complex incident and all agencies involved worked well together to bring the people on the train to safety.

We know that this incident has impacted the local community and thank them again for their support and understanding.

We are thankful that the number of people with injuries was relatively minimal, and we send our best wishes to all those hurt for their recovery.

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