The driver of one of the trains involved in the crash near Salisbury, Wiltshire, was cut out of his cab and taken to hospital, with police revealing he has suffered what are believed to be ‘life-changing’ injuries
A train driver suffered what are believed to be ‘life-changing’ injuries after the horror smash near Salisbury.
The driver had to be cut out of his cab after he was involved in a collision with another train near Salisbury, in Wiltshire.
He and 12 other people were rushed to Salisbury District Hospital for treatment.
The smash took place at 6.46pm on Sunday after one train hit an object and the second smashed into it due to signalling issues.
British Transport Police said: “Ninety-two passengers were on both train services.
“Around 30 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.
“Thirteen people were taken to hospital by ambulance where they have received treatment for minor injuries. One remains there.
“Unfortunately, the driver of the train was more seriously injured and his injuries are believed to be life-changing.
“He also remains in hospital in a stable condition this morning, and his family have been informed.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service helped to evacuate around 100 people from the scene on Sunday evening.
Describing the moment of the crash, passenger Morgan Harris said: “It was all going along normally then, all of a sudden, there was this massive bang and all of the lights went out.
“There was sparks and flames from where we had come off the track, and there was a load of ash coming from outside.
“Our train was on its side… I was thrown out of my seat and banged against the table.”
Dimitri Popa, 17, who was also on one of the trains, said: “It all happened so fast… I was just sitting in the first carriage and there was a huge crash.
“Then I saw the flames and got pretty scared, and all the lights went out.
“The carriage was 45 degrees to the right.
“We didn’t know where we were or anything… we were all just so shocked.”
Corinna Anderson said she saw a firefighter rescue a three-week-old baby from the wreckage of one of the trains.
The 51-year-old from Derby, told the BBC : “I did hear and see that on the Temple Meads train there was a three-week-old baby that was rescued off the train by the fire service and thankfully she is doing ok.
“As I climbed off my train I saw the fireman cradling the baby in his arms and then I saw the mother get given the baby and they were escorted away for medical attention.”