A recent update from the Wales train crash investigation reveals that the train involved in the collision may have “entered into a wheel slide” during braking. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) released this statement on Tuesday night following the incident which resulted in the death of a passenger near Llanbrynmair, Powys. The tragic event occurred when two trains collided on Monday night, leading to one fatality and hospitalisation of 15 individuals.
The deceased individual, a man in his 60s, was not a rail staff member, according to British Transport Police. Investigations are now underway to determine the cause of the crash. This process includes the inspection of the train’s ‘black box’ data recorder, examination of the track, analysis of data from railway signalling and radio systems, and interviews with witnesses. Initial findings suggest that the collision took place at a speed of 15mph.
The RAIB statement explains that the collision occurred between the 6.31pm Transport for Wales passenger service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 7.09pm Machynlleth to Shrewsbury passenger service on Network Rail’s Cambrian line. One passenger lost their life, while four others sustained serious injuries and eleven more required hospital treatment. RAIB inspectors were alerted to the accident shortly after it occurred and have since been collecting evidence at the site.
Ongoing investigations will focus on the condition of the trains, black box data retrieval, track inspection, signal and radio system data analysis, and witness interviews. Initial track inspections indicate low wheel/rail adhesion, suggesting potential wheel slide during braking as a key area for further investigation. The RAIB stresses that the investigation is at an early stage, with more updates expected as additional evidence is gathered and analysed. Stay tuned for further developments as the investigation unfolds.