Salisbury rail line due to re-open on Tuesday following crash

  • ITV Meridian's Mike Pearse has been speaking to Network Rail who say they have worked 24 hours a day to repair the line

Trains through Salisbury will finally begin running again within days, it has been announced.

Services have been limited after two trains collided in a tunnel in the Wiltshire city.

The track is being repaired after the double train crash in Wiltshire

The incident took place in Fisherton Tunnel, when the 1708 Great Western Railway (GWR) service to Bristol Temple Meads partially derailed and damaged signalling in the area.

The 1720 South Western Railway (SWR) service to Honiton then crashed into the GWR service, which is believed to have knocked one of the trains onto its side.

Network Rail updates ITV Meridian on the track reopening date:

Rail bosses say the route will reopen from Tuesday, November 16.

It's thought the derailment occurred when the GWR service collided with an object in the tunnel.

Thirteen people were taken to hospital following the crash.

The train driver was left with life-changing injuries.

Mr Tandy suffered "life-changing" injuries in the crash

Robin Tandy, one of the most experienced and longest serving in the country, had more than 50 years' experience and his actions on the day of the crash were described as 'impeccable' by his employers. 

Crash investigators say Mr Tandy, 74, applied his brakes when he saw a red signal.

But slippery rails led his train to slide along the track and crashed into another service in front of him on Sunday, October 31.

Injured Salisbury train crash driver a 50-year veteran who 'acted impeccably’

Network Rail’s route director for Wessex, Mark Killick, said: “I really appreciate how patient everyone has been with us over the past week and a half, from customers who have had their journeys disrupted, to our neighbours who have had cranes outside their houses, London Road closed for a period, and people working 24 hours a day to repair the railway right in the middle of their neighbourhood.

“That work is going to continue until Monday, as we finish replacing damaged equipment and making sure the railway is fit for action again.

“Our railway is one of the safest in the world and when a rare incident like this happens, we have to find out exactly what went wrong.

"That’s why we’re working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, British Transport Police and Office of Rail and Road on their investigations and we will be transparent and open with everyone when we know more about exactly what caused this.”