It's a miracle that more people were not killed Rescue worker

The express was fitted with the sophisticated Automatic Train Protection System - which should prevent trains passing a red light - but it is not known if it was switched on.

A transport police spokesman said the driver of the train had voluntarily attended Southall police station to be interviewed about the accident.

The speed of the impact caused the first two carriages of the Intercity train to crumple completely as they hit the freight wagons.

"It's a miracle that more people were not killed - close up the damage is unbelievable," said one rescue worker.

Andy Reynolds, assistant divisional officer with the London Fire Brigade, said it was a scene of complete carnage.

Sixteen passengers were trapped under the wreckage and it took firemen several hours to free them.

The injured were taken to four London hospitals - 13 of them were described as being in a serious condition.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott arrived while the rescuers were still working.

"I have asked for an urgent report on the crash - in the meantime if there are any immediate lessons to be learned, we will of course take the appropriate action," he said.

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