THE mood of passengers from the First Great Western train was sombre as they were finally allowed to leave it at Evesham station - almost five hours after the crash.

Barely a word was spoken as they walked quietly over the bridge. Some were still visibly shaken by their ordeal and many appeared to be reflecting on the tragedy of the morning's events.

Among the passengers were the Bishop of Hereford, Rt Rev John Oliver, Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff and Mike Noel-Smith, who had been at the centre of a dramatic international sea rescue just a month ago.

Mr Noel-Smith, aged 45, of Herefordshire, had been saved after being injured in the Indian Ocean during an attempt to row 4,400 miles from Western Australia to Reunion Island.

Following the Charlton rail accident, he said: "At about 8.20am there was a loud bang and vibrations, and a couple of passengers said 'did we just hit something?' It took about a mile or so to stop fully."

Mr Noel-Smith added: "No-one was too hysterical; everyone wanted information. It is just very sad for those who died."

Fellow passenger Russell Merryman, who works for the BBC, said: "There were a lot of people who were covered in glass sitting in first class. A lot of people were shocked but that was replaced by sadness, as it had resulted in the deaths of so many people."

Ben Walton, aged 31, from Bristol, was sitting towards the back of the train. He said: "I saw a cloud of black smoke and it took a while for us to realise what had actually happened. But the mood on board the train was generally quite calm."

BRITISH Transport Police have opened an incident room as they continue their inquires into the accident. Anyone with information can contact 0800 405040. Calls are confidential.