A busy rail junction in west London was turned into a scene of devastation after two trains collided in the midst of the morning rush hour on Tuesday, 5 October.

These pictures reflect the horror, the immediate aftermath - with the rescue services on the scene helping the many injured within minutes - and the grim task of recovering the dead.

Fire rages in one of the carriages immediately after the collision (Photo:Cisotti/Deidda)

Firefighters attend to the smouldering wreck of one of the trains.

Rescue workers battle to free trapped passengers.

Police help to stretcher a survivor to safety.

Firefighters take a short break from their grim task.

Injured train passenger Gareth Stringer recovers in hospital.

After all the survivors are rescued, workers begin to remove the dead.

Photographs are taken by the forensic team investigating the crash.

A poignant message at Reading Station, as up to 100 people are still thought to be missing.

Floral tributes are left on a bridge overlooking the site of the crash.

Three days after the crash lifting gear is brought in to move the train from the tracks.