News

Fatal train crash: Report shows safety checks were missed, hoses blocked

Published

11 months ago

April 30, 2025

AN INTERIM report has found that critical safety checks were not carried out on the day of a fatal train crash in Powys last October.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) revealed four faults in the sanding system of a Transport for Wales (TfW) train involved in a head-on collision near Talerddig on October 21, 2024.

The sanding system – designed to help train wheels grip the rails during braking – had blocked hoses, preventing sand from being discharged. Two flow rate plates were also installed incorrectly, both placed upside down with one misaligned. In addition, two separate electrical faults were identified.

The westbound TfW train, travelling to Aberystwyth, was moving at around 24mph when it collided with an eastbound service travelling at 6mph. The impact killed passenger David Tudor Evans, 66, and seriously injured four others, including the train guard and the driver of the other train. A further 23 people suffered minor injuries.

Both trains were two-carriage class 158 units. The RAIB report says the westbound train should have stopped in a passing loop on the single-track Cambrian line to allow the eastbound train to pass. Data shows the driver applied the brakes as the train neared the loop, but the wheels began to slide. An emergency brake was activated but failed to prevent the train from sliding 900 metres downhill into the oncoming train.

Investigators found that the blocked sanding hoses were clogged with leaves and debris. Although a basic check had been carried out the day before, which indicated the hoses were clear at that time, the driver was unable to inspect the underside of the train as it was parked alongside a platform.

Network Rail confirmed that a railhead treatment train, used to tackle leaf build-up on tracks, had passed along the line and loop the night before the crash.

The RAIB says its investigation will continue to examine the sanding system, the extent of low adhesion on the tracks, and the maintenance procedures in place.

In a joint statement, Transport for Wales and Network Rail said:
“Safety is always our main priority for our customers and colleagues, and we’ll continue to work together with investigators to fully understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation.”

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.