One man dead and 15 injured in train collission

One person has died, and 15 have been taken to hospital following last night's crash between two trains on the Cambrian Railway.

Emergency services were called to an accident involving two trains that collided head-on between Talerddig and Llanbrynmair at 7:29 p.m.

An air ambulance, HM Coastguard helicopter, fire service, police, and ambulances were called to the scene.

The line between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth is closed while investigations into the accident are carried out.

A statement from Network Rail and Transport for Wales said: “At 7:29pm on Monday 21 October, two TfW trains were involved in a low-speed collision near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Mid Wales. Sadly, one passenger has passed away, and a number of other people are being treated for injuries at nearby hospitals. 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. 

“The Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while specialist teams continue their investigations, and we urge passengers not to travel to this part of the network. 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 statement from Dyfed Powys Police said: "We can confirm one person has died following a collision between two trains, which occurred near Llanbrynmair in Powys this evening.

"A multi-agency response to the incident saw 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 at just before 7.30pm.

"Sadly, we can now confirm a man has died following the collision. His next of kin have been informed and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

"A further 15 people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening or life changing.
All other passengers have now been evacuated from both trains. Our thoughts are with the people and families involved in this incident.

"While we no longer have a presence at the scene, we will continue to work with our emergency services colleagues and transport agencies while enquiries into the incident are ongoing.  Please follow British Transport Police – Wales for further updates."

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.”