Report Reveals Train Safety System Failure Preceded Fatal Collision

Investigators have disclosed that a safety system, designed to assist a train in stopping, malfunctioned on one of the trains involved in a deadly collision in mid Wales. David Tudor Evans, 66, lost his life after two trains collided near the village of Llanbrynmair in Powys on 21 October. Initially, it was stated that a service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth struck a stationary train traveling from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury; however, the report has since clarified that both trains were in motion at the time of the impact. The Rail Accidents and Investigations Branch (RAIB) reported that the 1J25 service, operating from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, had a blocked wheel-sliding safety system. On Tuesday, the RAIB provided an update on its investigation, confirming that an automated system intended to enhance train wheel grip on tracks had failed. The RAIB stated it had examined the system, installed on train 1J25, which automatically sprays sand through hoses upon detecting a wheel slide during braking, aiming to increase friction. The inspection indicated that these hoses on the train’s leading vehicle “were blocked and apparently unable to discharge sand”. Analysis indicates that an emergency brake demand was initiated before the collision and remained active until the impact. Mr. Evans, from Capel Dewi, Ceredigion, died following the crash, and four other individuals sustained serious injuries. An additional 11 people required hospital treatment for their injuries. The RAIB further noted that preliminary analysis showed the 1J25 service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth was traveling at speeds between 15mph (24 km/h) and 24mph (39 km/h). The 1S71 service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury was moving at approximately 6mph (10 km/h) in the opposing direction. The RAIB continues to analyze evidence pertaining to the collision speed, which it identified as an ongoing area of investigation. Investigators confirmed that neither train derailed during the collision, despite significant damage being inflicted upon the leading vehicles of both trains. The RAIB mentioned that both trains involved were equipped with wheel slide protection systems, which perform a function similar to anti-lock braking systems found in road vehicles. The Cambrian line is outfitted with the European Rail Traffic Management System, a type of railway signaling that transmits signaling and control data directly to the train. The railway approaching Talerddig from either direction consists of a single track, with a loop provided to allow trains to pass each other. This loop features points at each end, enabling trains to enter a short section of track adjacent to the single line. Westbound trains ascend a gradient to enter the loop and, upon exiting, rejoin the single track as it descends towards Llanbrynmair and Machynlleth. During its preliminary examination, the RAIB stated it discovered that the westbound train was scheduled to stop in the loop at Talerddig to permit the eastbound train to pass. Initial analysis of data from the on-train data recorder (OTDR) on the westbound train indicates that the driver applied service braking to reduce the train’s speed as it approached the loop at Talerddig. Approximately 40 seconds after the initial service brake application, the OTDR recorded an emergency brake demand, which persisted until the collision. OTDR data reveals that wheel slide commenced during service braking and remained constant throughout emergency braking. The westbound train subsequently entered the loop at Talerddig. Although its speed decreased while traversing the loop, it did not halt before passing the block marker situated near the exit. The train then exited the loop, rejoined the single line, and proceeded for approximately 900 meters on the descending gradient before colliding with the eastbound train. Following Mr. Evans’s death, British Transport Police (BTP) issued an apology after a close friend accused the force of failing to provide support to his family. They informed the PA news agency that Rachel Evans, Mr. Evans’s wife, was “pretty much left to her own devices” in the aftermath of the crash. The force had released a statement on 22 October asserting that “the deceased’s next of kin have been informed and his family are being supported by specialist officers”. However, a BTP officer actually visited the family on 23 October, as reported by PA. BTP Supt Andrew Morgan stated: “British Transport Police has apologised directly to the family of the deceased in relation to this statement and would like to apologise publicly for any additional suffering caused at this extremely difficult time.” Transport for Wales and Network Rail issued a joint statement, emphasizing that it was “fundamental” to await the complete findings of the full report. “As investigations are currently still ongoing, we’ll continue to work together with investigators to understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation.” They added that enhanced checks have been conducted on the trains and the railway line to facilitate the reopening of the Cambrian line later this month.