A man has died and at least 15 others were injured following a collision between two trains on October 22, 2024, near Llanbrynmair, Powys, Wales. The tragic incident occurred just before 7:30 PM and has since prompted significant emergency response efforts from local authorities and transport officials.
The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed the fatality, identifying the deceased as a man in his 60s. His next of kin have been informed, and Superintendent Andrew Morgan expressed the police’s condolences, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, alongside everyone else impacted and specialist officers continue to provide support."
According to reports, the collision involved the 6:31 PM service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 7:09 PM service from Machynlleth back to Shrewsbury. Both trains were traveling at relatively low speeds, reportedly around 40 to 60 miles per hour, and remained on their tracks after the collision. Witness accounts describe the impact as abrupt and shocking.
Passenger Anthony Hurford, traveling on the Shrewsbury-bound train, recounted his harrowing experience. He stated, "The word which keeps coming to my head is just ‘brutal’. Just going from, I don't know how fast we were going, maybe 40, 50, 60 miles an hour, to nothing in the blink of an eye. Somehow my body bent the leg of a table and ripped it off its bolts attached to the wall. Suddenly, I was on the floor with my laptop strewn ahead of me, wondering what the hell had happened.” Hurford described the moments prior to the crash, saying, “The driver ran in and sat on a chair and said 'brace yourselves, we're about to hit a train.'”
Emergency services, including firefighters and the Welsh Ambulance Service, swiftly responded to the scene, transporting seven of the injured to nearby hospitals. The injuries sustained by the victims are not believed to be life-threatening, and the remaining passengers were evacuated without serious harm.
Eyewitness accounts have shed light on the initial events leading to the crash. Another passenger, Jonah Evans, reported hearing the train’s driver warning travelers shortly before the collision, which allowed many to brace themselves. Evans mentioned seeing other passengers with injuries, such as cracked ribs and lost teeth, following the impact.
The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). Initial inquiries suggest the crash occurred close to one of the track's passing loops, where trains traveling in opposite directions can pass safely.
Jan Chaudhry van der Velde, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales, noted the unusual circumstances of the collision. He stated, "The track is largely made up of stretches of single line where trains use one line to travel in two directions and where trains need to pass each other." He confirmed the need for extensive investigation, which could take several months before preliminary findings are made public.
Witness Ifan Edwards expressed concern over rail conditions preceding the incident, stating, “Earlier on, TfW advised passengers its services were running at reduced speeds through Dovey Junction because previous trains reported the track was ‘extremely slippery.’” This campaign aimed to mitigate accidents caused by seasonal conditions, particularly leaves decomposing on damp rails, creating dangerously slippery surfaces.
Authorities emphasized the importance of thorough investigations to understand how this incident occurred and to prevent future tragedies. Local resident and councilor Elwyn Vaughan remarked on how such incidents are uncommon, stating, “It is somewhat of surprise and shock to the community.” Many community members expressed their sympathy and concern for all affected by the incident.
The Cambrian railway line, where the collision took place, remains closed, hampering local travel and transport plans. Transport for Wales and Network Rail have assured continued collaboration with emergency services as they work to assess the situation and improve safety on this line.
Transportation Secretary Louise Haigh reassured the public about railway safety stating, "Safety on our railways is my absolute priority and we are working at pace with Transport for Wales and Network Rail to understand what happened and how we can prevent it going forward.” The response to the crash has underscored the broader issues of train safety and the necessary precautions during the autumn when tracks often become treacherous due to weather conditions.
Following the incident, the community and officials are calling for comprehensive measures to prevent similar occurrences. This includes reviewing safety protocols at passing loops and ensuring trains are equipped with systems capable of responding to adverse conditions effectively.
This collision reminds us of the risks present even during routine travel. The rail network, often taken for granted, requires continuous scrutiny and improvement to safeguard the lives of passengers. The investigation’s findings will be pivotal for both immediate enhancements and long-term safety changes across the network.
