Powys train crash: Passenger dies after two trains collide near Llanbrynmair

A passenger has died and four others have been seriously injured after two passenger trains collided near Llanbrynmair in Powys on Monday evening.

Two Transport for Wales trains were involved in a "low-speed collision" just before 7.30pm on 21 October, the train company confirmed.

British Transport Police have confirmed that passenger Tudor Evans, 66, died following the collision.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said that, out of 15 people taken to hospital, four were "seriously injured".

The line between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury will remain closed until at least the end of Friday, 25 October, Transport for Wales and Network Rail said in a joint statement.

Giving a statement to reporters, Chief Inspector Jon Cooze, said: “Sadly, a man in his 60s has died following the collision.

“The circumstances leading to his death are currently under investigation. His next of kin have been informed and the family will receive ongoing specialist support from specialist officers.

“While formal identification has not taken place he is not believed to be a member of rail staff. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones and we kindly ask that they’re given privacy at this very difficult time.”

The collision involved the 18.31 Transport for Wales service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 19.09 Transport for Wales service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

Services on the Heart of Wales line are suspended until further notice, and rail replacements will run "where possible" between Swansea and Shrewsbury, according to TfW.

• Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, local councillor for Glantwymyn, told ITV Wales that there is a 'key question' to be answered following the collision.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said it has launched an investigation into the collision and is working to gather evidence to understand what caused it.

It said initial evidence suggests the collision occurred at a speed of 15mph.

All other passengers were evacuated from both trains by the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The crash happened in a rural location with a single railway line, close to a passing loop where trains travelling in opposite directions can pass each other.

The incident was attended by Dyfed-Powys Police officers, along with British Transport Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and agencies from the rail industry called to the trainline.

• This was the aftermath of the collision of two trains in Powys as investigators spent Tuesday morning trying to piece together what happened.

The Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while investigations continue, with Network Rail and Transport for Wales urging passengers not to travel to this part of the network.

A joint statement from both organisations said: "Our first thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who has lost his life, as well as all the other people involved in this incident...

"We’re extremely grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and helped our passengers and staff in challenging circumstances.

“We are working closely with other agencies, including emergency services, to understand how this incident happened and they will have our full support.”

A replacement bus operation will remain in place calling at all stations on the route and customers have been advised to check before they travel and allow for journeys to take longer than usual.

Services between Machynlleth and Pwllheli/Aberystwyth and between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International will continue to run as planned.

Superintendent Andrew Morgan of British Transport Police said: “We can sadly confirm a man has died following this evening’s incident. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, alongside everyone else impacted and specialist officers continue to provide support.”

“British Transport Police are working at pace, along with our colleagues in emergency services and the rail industry, to understand the circumstances leading up to this collision.

"Residents will see an increased policing presence in the area in the coming days as a result.”

RAIB said it was notified of the accident at 7.45pm on the it happened and immediately dispatched a team of inspectors to examine the site and collect evidence.

It is continuing to work in conjunction with the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the railway companies involved to secure evidence for its independent investigation.

RAIB’s initial inspection of found evidence that wheel/rail adhesion was "relatively low," suggesting that the train may have entered into wheel slide when braking. It has said that this will be an area of ongoing investigation.

"Our investigation is in its very early stages and an additional update will be available in the coming days once RAIB has gathered and analysed further evidence," a statement said.

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