News

Investigation underway after head-on train collision near Talerddig

Published

1 year ago

October 28, 2024

IN a tragic rail collision near Talerddig, Powys, a head-on crash between two trains on Monday evening led to the death of a passenger, with several others, including the driver, sustaining injuries.

The incident, which has shocked the rural Welsh community, has prompted an immediate investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

The RAIB, recognised for its rigorous investigative methods, will focus on identifying the exact cause of the crash. Early assessments hint at challenging rail conditions, particularly due to low wheel-track adhesion often worsened by seasonal leaf fall—a potential hazard that can compromise braking.

Remote crash site poses challenges

The collision occurred near the former Talerddig railway station, a now-closed station on a remote line nestled in the countryside. Emergency services arrived swiftly, facilitated by the nearby A470 trunk road, which runs adjacent to the railway and provided rapid access to the site despite its isolation.

Low adhesion under scrutiny

Initial findings suggest that autumn leaf fall may have created a thin, slippery layer on the track, potentially compromising braking and contributing to the collision. The previous evening, Network Rail had deployed leaf-clearing equipment along the Cambrian line, a standard autumnal precaution. Despite these efforts, wooded areas near the accident site make rail conditions particularly challenging during this season.

Leaf-related adhesion issues have been cited in other rail incidents, notably a 2021 collision near Salisbury where crushed leaves caused a train to slide past a red signal, resulting in a crash. The RAIB will examine whether similar factors were at play here.

Safety on single-line railways

The Cambrian line, like many in Wales, is a single-track railway with designated passing loops, allowing trains traveling in opposite directions to share the same stretch of track. While efficient, single-line systems present higher risks compared to double-track networks where trains remain on separate lines. The Talerddig loop, located on a slope, has historically posed operational challenges.

Following the crash, Transport for Wales confirmed speed restrictions are in place on several single-line routes, including the Cambrian, to enhance safety.

Since 2011, the Cambrian line has been equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), a high-tech signaling system designed to apply automatic brakes if a train approaches a signal set to danger. Operated from Machynlleth’s control center, the ETCS system’s performance in the moments leading up to the crash will be a critical point of investigation for RAIB inspectors.

Service disruptions

The trains involved in the crash were 35-year-old Class 158 units, refurbished between 2020 and 2022 as part of an ongoing maintenance program. Although they are nearing the end of their service life, there’s currently no indication that age played a role in the accident.

Replacement bus services are now running, though the remote, rural roads make journeys significantly longer than the usual train ride. This is expected to impact passengers heavily, especially students traveling with luggage.

While train travel remains one of the safest modes of transport, rail operators are working to reassure passengers about safety on the network. RAIB’s investigation will likely produce an interim report within weeks, followed by a final report with comprehensive findings. Their team will review factors including leaf fall, the trains’ condition, signaling data, and input from passengers and staff on the scene.

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

46 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Charity

Two Welsh families fund Childline across the UK on Christmas Day

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

Staff Writer

Joint £40,000 gift ensures vital support is available when children need it most

TWO Cardiff families have joined forces to fund the NSPCC’s Childline service across the whole of the UK on Christmas Day, ensuring children have somewhere to turn during one of the toughest times of the year.

The Peterson family and the Bowles family are each donating £20,000 as part of the charity’s One Unforgettable Day project. Their combined £40,000 contribution will cover the entire cost of running Childline for 24 hours on 25 December.

Childline operates 12 bases nationwide and offers a free, confidential service to anyone under 19, available day and night, 365 days a year. The festive period is often one of the most demanding for counsellors and volunteers; between 24 December 2024 and 4 January 2025, Childline delivered 4,261 counselling sessions.

Young people reach out to Childline for a range of reasons at Christmas, including mental health struggles, family tensions, financial worries, loneliness, and increased risks of abuse or domestic violence. With schools closed and regular support networks unavailable, demand for help typically rises.

Childline relies heavily on donations, fundraising and charitable partnerships. The support of Alan, Maggie and Hywel Peterson, and Nathan and Claire Bowles and their four children, will ensure counsellors are available throughout Christmas Day for any young person who needs them.

Hywel Peterson MBE, Chair of the NSPCC Cymru Fundraising Board, said:
“It’s an honour to help fund Childline across the whole of the UK this Christmas. This joint donation will ensure our dedicated staff and volunteers are there to support any child who needs us.”

Cardiff entrepreneur Nathan Bowles added:
“We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some children, so our family is delighted to be joining forces with the Petersons this year to support this vital service.”

Louise Israel, Childline team manager at NSPCC Cymru’s Cardiff base, said:
“While children and young people need Childline all year round, we speak to many who find this time of year particularly difficult. It is only with the support of such generous people as the Peterson and Bowles families that our staff and volunteers can continue to be here throughout the Christmas holidays. This kindness will genuinely make a difference.”

Children can call Childline free on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk for advice.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include: