Trains collided at 15mph
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has been on site for the past 24 hours surveying the scene and collating information following the accident at around 7.27pm, when the trains travelling in opposite direction collided near Talerddig.
A statement tonight said that initial investigations also found evidence that wheel/rail adhesion was relatively low, suggesting that the train may have entered into wheel slide when braking. The accident happened on a single track, 800m from a ‘passing loop’ where the trains should have passed.
The full statement provided to us tonight is as follows:
“At around 19:26 on the evening of 21 October 2024, the 18:31 Transport for Wales passenger service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth collided with another train on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, approximately 800 metres west of the passing loop located at Talerddig.
“Initial evidence suggests that collision occurred at a speed of approximately 24 km/h (15 mph).
“The second train involved was the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury passenger service, also operated by Transport for Wales.
“One passenger tragically died and four other people were seriously injured. Eleven more people sustained injuries which required hospital treatment.
“RAIB was notified of the accident at 19:45 on the night of the accident and immediately dispatched a team of inspectors to examine the site and collect evidence.
“Additional RAIB staff and specialist equipment have arrived at the site of the accident throughout today and we continue to work in conjunction with the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the railway companies involved to secure the necessary evidence to support our independent safety investigation.
“This will include examining the condition of the train and downloading its ‘black box’ data recorder, inspecting the track, analysing data from railway signalling and radio systems, and interviewing witnesses.
“The railway approaching Talerddig from each direction consists of a single track. To allow trains to pass each other a track loop is provided. These loops have points at each end and allow trains to enter a short length of track which lies alongside the single line.
“RAIB’s initial inspection of the track on approach to the point of collision found evidence that wheel/rail adhesion was relatively low, suggesting that the train may have entered into wheel slide when braking. 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.”
With investigations ongoing, disruptions can be expected on the Cambrian Line through to the end of Wednesday, at least.
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