A PASSENGER died, and 15 others were treated for injuries after two trains collided on a rural line near Llanbrynmair, Powys, on Monday evening (Oct 21).

Witnesses described passengers being thrown to the floor, with images showing part of a crumpled carriage. Emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, and Dyfed Powys Police, responded swiftly to the scene.

The collision occurred on a single-track section of the Cambrian line, near a passing loop where one train should stop to allow the other to pass. It appears that the train that was supposed to stop was unable to do so, but the low-speed impact prevented any derailment. The incident took place around 7:29pm, approximately 800 metres west of Talerddig.

A joint investigation involving the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), British Transport Police, and Network Rail is underway to determine the cause. Early findings suggest that slippery conditions, potentially caused by fallen leaves, may have played a role in the collision. Network Rail invests heavily in clearing autumn leaves from tracks as they create conditions similar to black ice.

Passenger Jonah Evans, 25, said: “The driver ran in and told us to brace ourselves. Someone lost their teeth and cracked ribs, but because we had a warning, we could prepare.” Another passenger, Anthony Hurford, described the impact as “brutal,” recounting how the train stopped suddenly from a speed of 40-60 miles per hour.

Peter Carson, 67, who lives near the line, said: “We heard a loud bang and a grinding noise, which lasted a few seconds. At first, I thought it was an aircraft in trouble, but I now realize it was the sound of the trains braking.”

Plaid Cymru councillor Elwyn Vaughan noted that the single-track line is prone to leaf buildup but mentioned: “A dedicated leaf-clearing machine went through at lunchtime, which raises questions about what happened.”

A joint statement from Network Rail and Transport for Wales confirmed: “At 7:29pm on Monday (Oct 21), two Transport for Wales trains were involved in a low-speed collision near Llanbrynmair. Sadly, one passenger has passed away, and others are receiving treatment for injuries.”

RAIB investigators are examining the site, assessing train conditions, analyzing black box data, and inspecting the tracks. They aim to understand the circumstances leading up to the collision. The Cambrian line remains closed east of Machynlleth during the investigation.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Safety on our railways is my absolute priority, and we are working to understand what happened to prevent such incidents in the future.” First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her condolences: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident.”

All other passengers were safely evacuated, and the presence of emergency services is expected to continue as the investigation progresses.

HUNDREDS of emotional tributes have been shared across social media following the death of Honey French, a 12-year-old schoolgirl, in what her family described as a “game gone wrong” at her home in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

Honey was discovered deceased on Saturday morning (Oct 21), with her mother, Jessica French, calling the incident a “horrible accident.” Emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, were alerted on Saturday, and Dyfed-Powys Police have ruled out any foul play.

A report on Honey’s death is now being prepared by the coroner, and police are yet to disclose further details.

MOTHER’S HEARTBREAK

Speaking about the loss of her daughter, Jessica French said: “This was a horrible accident, a game gone wrong. Our hearts are shattered; she was the most loved little girl of all.”

Since the confirmation of Honey’s passing, hundreds of tributes have flooded social media, with friends, family, and the wider community offering condolences. Messages have been directed to her parents, Jessica and Alan French, and her older brother.

Stacey-Leigh Keeble, a family friend, wrote: “Honey [bee], one of my daughter’s best friends, absolutely heartbroken about the news, you’ve left too soon.” She added that her daughter was “heartbroken” and hoped that Honey was “dancing up there beautiful.”

COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

A Milford Haven community group on Facebook also paid tribute, stating: “Our town is in mourning for a young lady loved by so many. Please light a candle for the French family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. May Honey’s light continue to shine bright.”

Jessica French responded to the outpouring of love, saying: “Thank you for all your kind messages. All these photos show me how many other people love her too.”

Dyfed-Powys Police have offered support to pupils at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA, where Honey attended. A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with her family at this time, and support has been offered from specialist officers. The death is not being treated as suspicious. Children affected by this incident can find help and support from Childline by calling 0800 1111.”

SCHOOL PAYS TRIBUTE

In a statement, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA expressed their sadness at the loss of their student: “It is with great sadness that we announce that one of our pupils passed away unexpectedly at the weekend. Honey French was much loved and cherished by all who knew her and was a valued member of our school community here at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA. She was a keen performer and writer who gave generously of her humour, time, and talents to support our school family and wider community—and she will be very much missed. Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to her family at this sad time. We now ask people to be mindful of the family’s need to grieve in private.”

An inquest is set to be opened by the Pembrokeshire coroner, where the cause of death will be formally determined.

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been charged with the racially aggravated harassment of Haverfordwest town councillor Randell Turner-Thomas during an alleged incident in the town on August 6.

Lee Woodmass is accused of harassing Cllr. Turner-Thomas during an altercation in the town centre, causing him intentional harassment, alarm, or distress.

This week, Woodmass, 48, of Hywel Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge. He elected a Crown Court trial, and proceedings will commence on November 29.

Woodmass was released on conditional bail.