Powys accident: Safety system 'blocked' before fatal train collision

A safety system was “jammed” during a fatal train crash in Powys, an initial investigation has found.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its initial findings into last month’s collision, which left one person dead.

David Tudor Evans, 66, was described as a “lovely guy, full of life and fun”.

Another 15 people were taken to hospital for treatment after the crash near Talerddig, police said.

Transport for was involved in the collision – on October 21 at around 7:26 p.m. – at 6:31 p.m. Wales service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 7.09pm Transport for Wales service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

The RAIB said the units were fitted with wheel-slip protection systems – described as similar to anti-lock braking systems in cars – and an automatic sanding system.

Sand is automatically drained through hoses when wheel slip is detected during braking, creating more friction at the wheel-rail interface.

The data recorder on the train shows that the wheel slip occurred during braking and was also present after the driver made an emergency braking request.

An inspection of the scouring system fitted to Aberystwyth-bound train 1J25 revealed that the scouring hoses of the lead vehicle were blocked.

The RAIB apparently says it is unable to discharge sand.

The ongoing investigation is also looking into the speed at which the trains were traveling when they collided.

Initial investigations indicate that the westbound train was traveling at a speed of between 15 and 25 miles per hour, while the eastbound train was traveling at a speed of 6 miles per hour.

The RAIB says its investigation will look into the sequence of events leading to the crash.

As part of the investigation, the service will look at, among other things, the actions of those involved, the degree of adhesion between wheel and rail and the behavior of both trains during and after the crash.

In a joint statement, Transport for Wales and Network Rail said they had “fully cooperated” with British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

“As investigations are currently ongoing, we will continue to work with investigators to understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation,” a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said safety was the “main priority” for both companies and that they had “enhanced checks on the trains and the railway”.

“At this early stage of the investigation it is fundamental that we await the findings of the full report and demonstrate sensitivity to our customers, colleagues, the local community and the families of those affected by the incident,” she added to.