In pictures: Crash aftermath

As day broke, the devastation left by the crash was revealed. One carriage was forced up into the air at a sharp angle.

Several carriages came to rest on their sides after tumbling down the embankment. The first and second bore the brunt of the impact.

The driver's power car was left lying on its side facing back down the track in the opposite direction to the carriages.

Cumbria Police say they are unsure as to how the power car came to double back on itself.

Chief Superintendent Martyn Ripley, of the British Transport Police, said a set of points would be the focus of the crash inquiry.

Passengers spoke of the "terrifying" moment when their carriages lurched to one side at about 95mph.

Ian Garnett, of Cumbria Fire and Rescue service, said the driver was trapped in the wreckage for about an hour.

Police cordoned off the crash site very quickly and even Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson was not allowed to cross.

Sir Richard spoke of it being a "sad day" as he visited the crash scene.

The Virgin boss said despite the force of the impact no windows were broken and the carriages did not crumple.

British Transport Police said it was "little short of a miracle" there had not been more fatalities.

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