One dead, 15 hospitalised after two trains collide in Wales
A person has died and fifteen people were injured after two passenger trains collided in Wales on Monday night. Major disruption was expected to continue along the railways in the UK as a large-scale emergency response continues.
The accident took place near Llanbrynmair in the central Welsh county of Powys just before 7.30pm on Monday evening, forcing the line to be closed and all the passengers to be evacuated from the train, according to British Transport Police Superintendent Andrew Morgan.
“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,” said Morgan in a statement.
“British Transport Police are working quickly, 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 police presence in the area in the coming days as a result.”
A further fifteen people were taken to hospital, but their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Two trains collide
The incident involved the Transport for Wales 6:31pm service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the Transport for Wales 7:09pm service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury. Network Rail and Transport for Wales said that the Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth was set to be closed while investigations continue and called on passengers not to travel in that area of the network.
“The line is closed as they carry out their work,” the companies said in a statement as the emergency response unfolded. “Our main priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to support the emergency services as they respond to the incident. We would encourage passengers to plan ahead and check journeys before travelling via National Rail Enquiries.”
‘Severe disruption’
A British Transport Police spokesperson told journalists: “Officers were called to the line near Llanbrynmair at 7:29pm on Monday, October 21, to reports of a low-speed train collision involving two trains. Paramedics, fire and rescue, and Dyfed-Powys Police are all in attendance, and the incident is ongoing.”
Transport for Wales said the matter was an “operational incident,” which means all services between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth had to be cancelled, adding that services would “experience severe disruption.”
“Services between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth will be cancelled until further notice, rail replacement is in operation. Due to road closures, we are unable to call at Caersws station until further notice. Services between Machynlleth and Pwllheli will run as normal. Please note rail replacement may experience delays and disruption due to emergency services on the main road.”
“My thoughts are with all those involved in the rail incident in Powys earlier this evening,” Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan wrote on X. “I would like to thank the emergency services for their response and have asked to be kept informed of any developments throughout the night.”
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