Passengers describe 'horror' on board train crash that killed one and injured 15

SWNS 2024-10-22

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Passengers have described the 'horror' on board a train crash that killed one and injured 15 others.

Emergency services say a moving train collided with a stationary one on the Cambrian Line at Llanbrynmair, Powys, at around 7.30pm last night. (Monday)

One man died at the scene while 15 others were taken to hospital for further treatment.

Passengers were filmed leaving the scene and later boarding replacement bus services.

And one witness on board said the driver ran inside carriages to tell everyone to 'brace' as he could do nothing to avoid the impending collision.

Jonah Evans, 25, said there were a few injuries on board and one person was airlifted due to a suspected heart attack.

He added: “There was a train that was stopped and the other train couldn’t stop.

“And the driver couldn’t get out the way with a train in front.

“The driver ran in and sat on a chair and said brace yourselves - we’re about to hit a train.

“Someone lost their teeth, cracked ribs.

“Because the driver told us it was happening, we could kind of get ready.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a man had died following the collision but said all other injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm one person has died following a collision between two trains, which occurred near Llanbrynmair in Powys this evening. (Mon)

“A multi-agency response to the incident saw Dyfed-Powys Police officers, along with British Transport Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and agencies from the rail industry called to the trainline at just before 7.30pm.

“Sadly, we can now confirm a man has died following the collision. His next of kin have been informed and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

“A further 15 people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening or life changing.

“All other passengers have now been evacuated from both trains.”

"Our thoughts are with the people and families involved in this incident.

"While we no longer have a presence at the scene, we will continue to work with our emergency services colleagues and transport agencies while enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

In a joint statement, Network Rail and Transport for Wales said: “Our first thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who has lost his life, as well as all the other people involved in this incident.”

Network Rail said the Cambrian line will remain closed on Tuesday.

A spokesperson said: “The Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while specialist teams continue their investigations, and we urge passengers not to travel to this part of the network.

“We’re extremely grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and helped our passengers and staff in challenging circumstances.

“We are working closely with other agencies, including emergency services, to understand how this incident happened and they will have our full support.”

Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan says her thoughts are with those involved in the rail collision.

She posted on X: “My thoughts are with all those involved in the rail incident in Powys earlier this evening. “I would like to thank the emergency services for their response and have asked to be kept informed of any developments throughout the night.”

Local MP, Steve Witherden said: “The A470 between Carno and Commins Coch is closed following a rail incident on the Cambrian Line near Llanbrynmair this evening and police are asking people to avoid the area.

“My thanks to the emergency services responding and my thoughts are with all involved.”

A call reporting a low-speed collision was made at just before 7.30pm.

Paramedics, fire and rescue, and British Transport Police were all in attendance.

Four helicopters were also spotted in the area in a field before everyone was evacuated from the train, according to witnesses.

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