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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.

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Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

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THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

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Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

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RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

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News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

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A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.

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