Train crash Wales: Man dies, 15 in hospital, after collision

Train Collision: 1 Dead, 15 Injured

The accident occurred close to the village of Llanbrynmair in Powys.

British Transport Police (BTP) has reported that a man has lost his life after a collision between two trains in Wales.

The authorities reported that an additional 15 individuals were hospitalized with injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening or to significantly alter their lives.

The individual who passed away was a traveler on the train coming from Shrewsbury, according to the Chief Operating Officer of Transport for Wales (TfW) in an interview with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

All the other passengers were evacuated from both trains, one making its way from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the other journeying from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

The accident took place close to the village of Llanbrynmair in Powys around 7:30 PM BST on Monday.

Stunned traveler shares their experience of the crash.

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighters from the Newtown and Machynlleth stations responded to the incident at 7:31 PM BST on Monday.

The teams arrived at the scene of the incident along with other emergency responders and departed at 11:11 PM BST, according to the service.

The Welsh Ambulance Service reported that they transported seven patients to the hospital by ambulance, while Dyfed Powys Police indicated that a total of 15 individuals were admitted to the hospital with injuries.

Anthony Hurford, a traveler on the train heading to Aberystwyth, expressed that he felt quite shaken by what happened.

The term that keeps popping into my mind is simply harsh, to be honest.

"We went from, I’m not really sure of our speed—maybe 40, 50, or 60 miles per hour—to a complete stop in an instant," he shared with BBC Breakfast.

In some strange way, my body managed to warp the leg of a table and detach it from the bolts that held it to the wall.

"Out of nowhere, I found myself on the floor with my laptop spread out in front of me, confused about what just occurred," he explained.

The driver of the other train attempted to halt at the traffic signals. At the summit of the hill, there’s a signal that I believe marks a location for trains to stop. For some reason, the train just wouldn’t come to a stop.

"There were around 30 to 40 members from the fire department present. The British Transport Police arrived from Birmingham, and three helicopters were involved. To my knowledge, people came from both northern and southern Wales. I was assessed by three or four different medical personnel," he stated.

Fifteen individuals were brought to the hospital due to their injuries.

Ifan Edwards, a nearby resident who witnessed the incident, mentioned that he observed several ambulances going by, along with an air ambulance and two helicopters from the coastguard.

He mentioned that it seemed one of the trains didn’t stop where it usually does on the hill, and based on what we've learned, it simply kept moving and the operator was unable to bring it to a stop.

Ifan Edwards, who saw the incident, mentioned that it seems one of the trains rolled down a slope.

In a combined announcement, Network Rail and TfW described the incident as a "minor collision at low speed."

Jan Chaudhry van der Velde, the Chief Operating Officer of TfW, mentioned that he was unable to comment on what led to the accident. However, he noted that TfW's rail accident investigation team arrived at the location last night and is still present there.

He mentioned that it would take a few months to complete the entire report.

"The track mainly consists of sections where there's just one line, allowing trains to travel in both directions. When trains need to overtake each other, we have designated passing areas," he explained.

"At the location of the accident, there's one of those crossover tracks," he mentioned.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) sent a group of inspectors to the location of the accident. After their examination, they will determine if additional resources are necessary.

Steve Witherden, the Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire, referred to the incident as "devastating."

"I believe that everyone affected and their families are eager for answers quickly. However, it's crucial that we avoid making assumptions and allow the investigation to proceed as it should," he stated.

"The track and the A470 are still shut down. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch must investigate and assess the area before Network Rail can verify that the track is safe for reopening," he mentioned. "I've heard that this process could take a few days."

Network Rail and Transport for Wales have announced that the Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth will be shut down as investigations are ongoing. They are advising travelers to avoid using that section of the railway.

"We deeply appreciate the emergency services for their quick response at the scene and for assisting our passengers and staff during such difficult times."

The services in question were the 18:31 train from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 19:09 train from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

Earlier on Monday, TfW informed passengers that trains were operating at lower speeds through Dovey Junction station, which is part of the same line, due to earlier reports from trains indicating that the track was "very slippery."

The operator has halted all operations on the Heart of Wales line as of Tuesday, stating that it will remain inactive "until further notice" because of "unfavorable track conditions."

Authorities have shut down the road, which is just under a mile away from the site of the accident.

The A470, the primary route connecting the north and south of Wales, runs alongside the railway line, and emergency responders are operating from there near the location of the accident.

One of the passengers who exited after the crash mentioned that the train remains standing on the tracks, just as we know it.

What occurred during the train accident in Wales?

Traffic Wales announced that the A470 is closed in both directions between Caersws and Glantwymyn. Meanwhile, Transport for Wales indicated that alternative rail services are currently being provided.

Emergency services, including ambulances, firefighters, local police, and the coastguard, responded to the incident, along with assistance from the railway industry, according to a statement from the British Transport Police.

Local residents mentioned that they spotted an air ambulance at the location.

BTP stated that the deceased man's family has been notified and is receiving assistance from specialized officers.

Emergency responders were still present at the location on Tuesday morning.

It also mentioned that local residents can expect to see more police in the area in the next few days as officers investigate the details surrounding the accident.

In a post on X earlier, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed, "I am thinking of everyone affected by the rail incident in Powys this evening."

"I want to express my gratitude to the emergency responders for their quick action and have requested updates on any changes as the night goes on."

Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced that the section of the Cambrian line east of Machynlleth will stay closed as specialized teams look into the accident.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh expressed her deep regret upon learning about the train accident in Wales.

"Ensuring safety on our railways is my top concern, and we are collaborating closely with Transport for Wales and Network Rail to investigate what occurred and how we can improve prevention in the future."