STORY
A passenger was killed and four others seriously injured when two passenger trains collided near Talerddig in Powys, prompting a formal investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). A newly released interim report sheds light on the sequence of events that led to the fatal incident. The collision occurred at 19:26 on 21 October 2024 on a remote stretch of the Cambrian line, a mostly single-track railway in mid-Wales. The two trains involved, both operated by Transport for Wales Rail Limited, were the 18:31 service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth (train 1J25) and the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service (train 1S71).
Train 1J25 had been scheduled to stop at the Talerddig passing loop, allowing the opposing train to safely continue. However, investigators say that it failed to stop as planned. The train continued for more than a kilometre beyond its intended stopping point, colliding head-on with the oncoming service. At the moment of impact, train 1J25 was travelling at 39 km/h (24 mph), while train 1S71 was moving at 11 km/h (6 mph). Despite the severity of the crash, neither train derailed. Both suffered major damage to their front carriages.
The RAIB confirmed that one passenger died as a result of the collision and four others suffered serious injuries. Several other passengers and crew members received minor injuries and were treated at the scene or nearby hospitals. The accident occurred just west of the Talerddig loop on the Cambrian line, an area known for its scenic yet challenging terrain. The section of railway uses the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a modern digital signalling system.
Although the interim report stops short of drawing conclusions, the investigation is focused on understanding why the braking system failed to stop train 1J25 in time and whether signalling or human factors played a role. A full report with detailed analysis and safety recommendations is expected in the coming months.