A train crash in mid Wales that killed one man and injured four others could have been avoided, an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has found. The incident occurred on the Cambrian Line near the Talerddig Loop, a section of dual track, on 21 October 2024. Tudor Evans, 66, from Capel Dewi in Aberystwyth, was travelling home from a holiday in Italy when he died on the westbound train. The driver of the Shrewsbury train was also seriously injured.
The RAIB investigation found that the crash would not have happened if one or both of the automatic and manual sanding systems had been activated. These systems increase wheel adhesion to the rails, allowing trains to stop more quickly in emergency situations. However, the automatic sander did not function due to electrical faults, and the manually-operated emergency sander was not activated by the driver.
The report also concluded that adverse weather conditions were another crucial factor in causing the collision. Transport for Wales and Network Rail have said that while incidents of this nature are extremely rare, they will consider the report's recommendations to help prevent a similar incident. The RAIB has recommended that Transport for Wales reviews its training and processes to ensure train drivers are competent in emergency situations.