Two trains have crashed between Salisbury and Andover, prompting a major response from rescuers.
Both vehicles collided in Wiltshire on the South Western Railway line this evening, and one is thought to have derailed.
Incredibly none of the passengers aboard each train was apparently badly hurt and most were given treatment for shock at the scene.
However, there are unconfirmed reports that the driver of one of the trains is trapped inside their cab.
An air ambulance, a police helicopter and the Coastguard were called to the scene near Fisherton Tunnel at around 7.20pm, while 50 firefighters are on site.
One local woman posted on social media: ‘I live nearby and there’s been at least 30 sirens including 5 fire engines.’
Peter Golden, 52, from Laverstock, Wiltshire, said: ‘It sounded like something big collapsing – the sound of things falling into each other.
‘It wasn’t till the helicopter arrived on station over the tunnel that I realised what I had heard.’
A BBC reporter said 12 people were believed to have been injured but not seriously in the crash.
It is understood the Great Western 1708 Portsmouth Harbour to Bristol Temple Meads hit an unknown object as it came out of a tunnel near Salisbury station and the rear carriage derailed.
A South Western Railway service from London Waterloo to Honiton is then thought to have collided with the rear of the derailed train.
British Transport Police said a casualty centre has been set up at St Mark’s
Church, Salisbury.
Shortly before 8pm, Wiltshire Police tweeted: ‘We are currently at the scene of a train crash involving two trains between Andover and Salisbury.
‘We are responding with the fire and ambulance service at the site close to Grateley. Will update as soon as we have more information.’
General secretary of the Transport Salaries Staffs Association Manuel Cortes said: ‘Thoughts of our entire union are with the loved ones of everyone caught up in what may well turn out to be a tragic event.
‘We will have to await further details, but this is a very sobering reminder about why safety on our railways is always paramount.’
This is a breaking news story – more to follow.
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