One dead and 15 injured after two trains collide in Wales, police say

A man has died following a collision between two trains in Wales, according to the British Transport Police.

In addition to the fatality, 15 individuals were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing after the collision near Llanbrynmair in Powys.

All other passengers were safely evacuated from the involved trains.

BTP Superintendent Andrew Morgan expressed his condolences, stating: "We can sadly confirm a man has died following this evening’s incident."

He continued: "We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, alongside everyone else impacted and specialist officers continue to provide support."

He said the BTP are working hand in hand with emergency services and the rail industry “to understand the circumstances leading up to this collision”.

He informed residents they would notice an increased police presence in the area over the next few days.

The low-speed collision occurred just before 7pm on Monday, involving the Transport for Wales 6.31pm service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 7.09pm service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

Network Rail and Transport for Wales released a joint statement addressing the incident: "Our first thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who has lost his life, as well as all the other people involved in this incident."

They added: "We’re extremely grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and helped our passengers and staff in challenging circumstances. We are working closely with other agencies, including emergency services, to understand how this incident happened and they will have our full support."

The Cambrian railway west of Machynlleth will remain closed while specialist teams investigate the collision.

Various emergency services like the Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Dyfed Powys Police, and the HM Coastguard have been with working with railway operatives at the scene.

Holder of Wales' top political office, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "My thoughts are with all those involved in the rail incident in Powys earlier this evening.

"I would like to thank the emergency services for their response and have asked to be kept informed of any developments throughout the night."

In a personal account, witness Anthony Hurford, who was en route to Shrewsbury, told BBC Breakfast of his harrowing experience: "Somehow my body bent the leg of a table and ripped it off its bolts attached to the wall. Suddenly I was on the floor with my laptop strewn ahead of me wondering what the hell had happened."

Network Rail also shed light on seasonal track hazards saying, leaf fall during autumn can create perilous conditions on the rails, describing them as "equivalent to black ice on roads".

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