A tragic train collision occurred on the evening of October 21, 2024, near Llanbrynmair, Powys, resulting in the death of one and injuries to 15 others. The incident involved two trains on the Cambrian Line, creating chaos and shock among the passengers and local community.
The accident took place around 7:30 PM when the 18:31 service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, which was supposed to stop at the passing loop, failed to do so and collided with the stationary 19:09 service coming from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moments leading up to and following the crash. Anthony Hurford, one of the passengers, recounted, "The word I keep coming back to is brutal. Just going from, I don’t know how fast we were going, maybe 40, 50, 60 mph, to nothing in the blink of an eye." He mentioned how his laptop flew off the table and he found himself on the floor following the sudden halt.
Reports indicate the deceased was a male passenger believed to be in his 60s traveling from Shrewsbury. While the British Transport Police stated his death was not due to crash injuries, early indications suggest he suffered cardiac arrest, with locals confirming he had no visible injuries.
Among those injured, four suffered serious injuries, and eleven were treated for less severe wounds. Emergency services, including the ambulance and fire crews, rapidly responded to the scene; the area was attended by numerous ambulances and helicopters, demonstrating the gravity of the incident.
Eyewitnesses noted seeing at least three helicopters and numerous emergency vehicles pull up almost immediately after the collision. Ifan Edwards, living nearby, watched as rescue efforts unfolded. He said, "It appeared one of the trains had failed to stop at the normal place on the hill, and from what we could gather, he just slid and could not stop the train."
Initial investigations by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) revealed early evidence indicating the moving train may have entered a wheel slide when braking, causing it to hurtle past the intended stop. The collision occurred at approximately 24 km/h (15 mph) according to RAIB inspections.
Local officials expressedDeep concern over the incident's circumstances, highlighting the area’s known issues with low rail adhesion caused by seasonal leaves on the line. Transport Minister Ken Skates stated safety is the Welsh government's prime concern, assuring the public they will thoroughly investigate the collision to prevent future accidents.
The Cambrian Line remains closed as investigations continue, with authorities advising passengers to avoid travel through this part of the network until safety is assured. Network Rail and Transport for Wales confirmed they are cooperating with the investigation and are committed to the safety of passengers.
Local residents were deeply affected by the accident, with many saying the crash had shaken their sense of security. Elwyn Vaughan, a local councillor, said the single track railway traditionally included passing loops where one train waits for another to pass, describing this collision as both unusual and alarming.
Witness accounts also included tales of passengers being thrown from their seats, with reports of one individual suffering severe injuries, leading to emergency airlifts. Jonah Evans, another passenger, confirmed, "The driver ran inside carriages to tell everyone to brace because he could do nothing to avoid the impending collision. Someone lost teeth, cracked ribs…"
The incident has brought significant media and public attention, leading to multiple discussions surrounding rail safety and infrastructure. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her condolences on social media, emphasizing her gratitude toward emergency responders and affirming her commitment to ensuring safety measures are strengthened moving forward.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, many are questioning the efficacy of the current safety protocols and will be awaiting the forthcoming full report by the RAIB. MP for Montgomeryshire, Steve Witherden, reiterated the need for answers and called for transparency and efficiency as investigations proceed.
Current conditions on the railways have sparked alarm among travelers, with Transport for Wales earlier this week warning of difficult rail conditions leading to reduced speeds through specific areas of the line due to "extremely slippery" track conditions. This accident may force railway authorities to reevaluate operations, especially on lines susceptible to weather conditions affecting rail adhesion.
The community of Llanbrynmair is coming to terms with the shock of the train crash, mourning the loss and wishing for swift recoveries for the injured passengers. They expect to see changes to the transport safety policies as investigations aim to bring clarity to this unsettling tragedy, ensuring the track and train conditions are reviewed to prevent another incident.
