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Passengers were ‘thrown to the floor’ in deadly train collision

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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.

The scene of the crash (Pic Dan Jones/Herald)

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.

Where the crash happened

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.”

An engineer inspects the damage (Pic: Dan Jones/Herald)

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.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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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:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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