Fatal Train Collision in Mid Wales Could Have Been Avoided
A head-on collision between two trains in mid Wales in October 2024, which resulted in one fatality and four serious injuries, could have been prevented, according to an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
The crash occurred in the village of Talerddig, Powys, when two trains operated by Transport for Wales (TfW) collided on the Cambrian Line. The RAIB concluded that the collision would not have occurred if one or both of the trains' automatic or manual sanding systems, designed to increase wheel adhesion to the rails, had been activated.
Details of the Incident and Victims
Tudor Evans, a 66-year-old passenger from Capel Dewi in Aberystwyth, died in the collision. He was traveling home from a holiday in Italy and was seated in the rear carriage of the westbound train to Aberystwyth. Four other passengers sustained serious injuries in the crash, which happened just before 19:00 on 21 October 2024.
The driver of the eastbound train heading towards Shrewsbury was also seriously injured. The RAIB reported that he was attempting to leave the cab when the collision occurred and became trapped.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Collision
The Cambrian Line is primarily single track, with a dual track section known as the Talerddig Loop near the crash site. The trains were scheduled to pass each other at this loop. However, the train heading towards Aberystwyth was unable to stop despite full application of the brakes.
The RAIB found that the train slid through the loop, re-entered the single-track section, and continued down a slope towards the oncoming train. As it descended, the train gained speed and collided head-on with the train traveling towards Shrewsbury.
At impact, the Aberystwyth-bound train was traveling at 24 mph, while the Shrewsbury-bound train was moving at 6 mph. The Shrewsbury train's driver had managed to reduce speed after receiving a warning from the signaller about the other train's failure to stop in the loop.
The investigation noted that due to failed sanding systems and low wheel-rail adhesion, the required deceleration to stop the train within the loop was unattainable.
Sanding Systems Failure and Driver Response
Both trains were equipped with two sanding systems: an automatic system that delivers sand during braking, and a manually operated emergency sander activated by the driver to apply sand to the front wheels.
The RAIB report identified that the automatic sander on the Aberystwyth train did not function, likely due to electrical faults in its control circuit. Additionally, the emergency sander was not activated by the driver.
The driver stated that using the emergency sanders had not occurred to them. The report further noted that the driver was not informed that the automatic sanding system had failed to apply sand to the wheels.
Impact of Weather and Rail Conditions
Adverse weather conditions were identified as a significant contributing factor. The RAIB found that rain earlier in the evening likely caused damp railhead conditions, reducing adhesion between the train wheels and rails. Moisture and other factors such as leaves from nearby trees can affect rail adhesion.
Recommendations and Industry Response
The RAIB made nine recommendations, including improvements to passenger carriage safety, sanding system design, wheel-rail adhesion management, and driver training. It also recommended that all on-train staff, regardless of role, possess the skills and knowledge to assist during emergencies.
The report advised Transport for Wales to review training and processes to ensure drivers are competent in handling abnormal or emergency situations, with particular emphasis on emergency calls and sanding system use.
Eyewitness Accounts
Bethan Evans from Tal-y-bont, Ceredigion, was on the Aberystwyth-bound train when the crash occurred. She recalled being knocked unconscious and waking to find the train stationary with passengers in distress.
"I woke up and the train was at a standstill and I wasn't sure what happened but I had a really bad headache," Bethan said. "I remember looking around and seeing people in panic, I heard defibrillator noises, I heard people shouting, I saw people on the floor, and broken bones. It wasn't until I spoke to fellow passengers that I knew what was going on."
She added that passengers remained on the train for three hours before being allowed to disembark and receive medical checks.
"It felt pretty surreal, like it wasn't actually happening," she said. "From being relaxed and reading a book to not knowing why all of the emergency services were there. We had so many casualties, and it took so long for people to be seen, I think there needs to be more staff to come in with first aid before emergency services come."
Peter Lamb, a resident of Talerddig, was at home when he heard the collision.
"It was just a really loud bang," he said. "I didn't think much of it, but did have a look out and saw the train had stopped. About 10 minutes after, my neighbour phoned. We thought there was a crash at the temporary lights. I looked out and it was just a sea of emergency vehicles. Fire service, police, coastguard helicopters were up there, and the air ambulance. Pretty much every service, and Network Rail as well. It was just bizarre - when you live somewhere as quiet as this, and then it's like madness. We just feel sorry for the people who were on the train."
Political and Union Reactions
Plaid Cymru Senedd member Elwyn Vaughan, who lives near Talerddig, visited the village on the night of the collision.
"It was a big event at the time," he said. "It's highly unusual, thank goodness, for two trains carrying passengers to go head-on in these islands. Therefore, with thoughts obviously with the family of the deceased and those that were injured, it's paramount that these lessons are learned and acted upon."
Dave Calfe, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers' union, commented on the incident, stating that drivers were instructed not to deploy sanders over points and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of sanders in preventing the collision.
"Our thoughts are with the family of David Tudor Evans, who tragically lost his life that day, and with the people... who were injured," he said. "Even if the sanders had been deployed, they would probably not have been able to stop the train in time, anyway."
Statements from Transport for Wales and Network Rail
A joint statement from Transport for Wales and Network Rail emphasized that safety remains their highest priority for customers and colleagues.
"Our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved ones of David Tudor Evans and those passengers injured in the incident, and we continue to support our colleagues who were injured or affected," the statement said.
The organizations welcomed the RAIB report and confirmed full cooperation with the investigation.
"While incidents of this nature are extremely rare on our rail network, we remain committed to working together as an industry to carefully consider the report's recommendations to help prevent a similar incident in the future."
