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.