The recovery operation and investigation into the collision on a level crossing near Sudbury yesterday, Tuesday 17 August, continues today.
“Following yesterday’s rescue operation, our main task today will be to gather physical and technical evidence,” said Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther, from the scene.
“We were unable to access the train cab last night, but once the train has been secured today, we will be able to do that.
“Also overnight, we have been planning how best to facilitate the recovery operation and a 130 tonne crane is being brought to the site later today. We are mindful of the impact this incident has had on the local community, who have been very supportive throughout.”
A train struck a large sewage tanker carrying “sludge”, at an unmanned level crossing near Sudbury, Suffolk on Tuesday, 17 August.
There were 21 casualties in total. A 58-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries, and he is described this morning as serious, but stable.
A further five people – three men and two women – remained in hospital overnight at Colchester General. Their injuries consisted of broken ribs, back pain, chest pain and heavy bruising.
One has so far been discharged and the other four are expected to be discharged tomorrow.
One other person also remained overnight at West Suffolk Hospital.
BTP was alerted to the collision at 5.37pm on 17 August and officers attended alongside Suffolk Police and the other emergency services. A BTP officer remained at the location overnight to preserve the scene.
Following the collision the train involved remained upright, but the first carriage derailed.
The train, the 1731 National Express East Anglia service, was travelling between Sudbury and Marks Tey with around 20 passengers on board.
All casualties were treated at Colchester General, Addenbrooke and West Suffolk hospitals. The train driver was taken to Colchester General Hospital suffering a back injury, where he remains
A 38-year-old man from Cambridgeshire was arrested by Suffolk Police on suspicion of dangerous driving following the collision and the lorry was removed from the line shortly after midnight last night.
The investigation will continue this morning and following its completion the site will be handed back to Network Rail, however the movement of the train will pose a significant engineering challenge.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
