The British Transport Police has confirmed that sadly, a man has died following the collision between two trains at Talerddig in Mid Wales.

The Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Dyfed Powys Police and HM Coastguard attended the incident alongside support from the rail industry.

15 people have been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, however a man has died following the collision.

Both trains were evacuated overnight and officers are working with the man’s family.

Network Rail said that the incident involved the 18:31 Shrewsbury – Aberystwyth and the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service.

All lines between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth are closed with disruption expected until further notice.

Trains can run as planned between Machynlleth and Pwllheli but Transport for Wales says that rail replacement buses will operate today (22/10).

Here are the latest details that we know…

UPDATE 11:15 – Ken Skates releases statement

Last night two Transport for Wales trains were involved in a low-speed collision near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Mid Wales. Sadly, a man has died following the collision and 15 others have suffered injuries which are not believed to be life threatening or life changing. Our thoughts are with all those involved. 

The Cambrian Railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while specialist teams continue their investigations, and Transport for Wales urge passengers not to travel to this part of the network. 

I am extremely grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and helped our passengers and staff. 

The safety of our passengers and staff is, as always, our key priority. Transport for Wales are working closely with all agencies, including emergency services and Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), to understand how this incident happened and they will have my full support.

UPDATE 10:03 – RAIB launch investigation

The RAIB has said in a new statement that an investigation into what happened last night has now begun

We have launched an investigation into the collision of two passenger trains at Tallerddig Powys yesterday. Last night we deployed a team of inspectors to the accident site. They remain on site and are working to gather evidence to understand what caused this tragic accident.

UPDATE 09:50 – TSSA Union release statement

“Safety is always the number one priority on our railways and therefore it will be vital to gain a detailed understanding of what happened in this case.

“Our union is greatly saddened by any loss of life or injury on the rail network and we send our sympathy and solidarity to the families and friends of those involved in this incident.”

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust

UPDATE 09:47 – RMT Union release statement

“This is a tragic incident and the thoughts of everyone at RMT are with the family and friends of the passenger who died, and all the train crew and travelling public who were injured during this accident.”

Mick Lynch, RMT Union general secretary

UPDATE 08:50 – ORR statement

The ORR has sent RailAdvent the following statement on last night’s collision…

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly lost his life and all those involved in this incident near Llanbrynmair.

“Our Inspectors are attending the scene of the incident and will work with other agencies, including the emergency services, to establish what has happened.”

UPDATE 08:40 – RAIB release statement

RAIB deployed a team last night to the site of the collision between two passenger trains at Tallerddig #Powys Our inspectors remain on site today and are working to gather evidence.

— RAIB (@raibgovuk) October 22, 2024

UPDATE 08:30 – Rail Replacement Buses announced

Details have been posted on National Rail Enquiries website regarding rail replacement buses that will be in operation.

UPDATE 08:15 – Statement from Network Rail / Transport for Wales

“At 7:29pm on Monday 21 October, two TfW trains were involved in a low-speed collision near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Mid Wales. Sadly, one passenger has passed away, and a number of other people are being treated for injuries at nearby hospitals. 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.
“The Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while specialist teams continue their investigations, and we urge passengers not to travel to this part of the network. 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.”

UPDATE 07:10 – Line between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury closed all day

Passengers need to check their journeys today as the trains will be replaced by buses all day today (22/10)

UPDATE 06:45 – Dyfed Powys is no longer at scene

Dyfed Powys Police say that they are no longer at the scene of the accident but will continue to support colleagues whilst investigation work continues.

UPDATE 06:30 – Full BTP statement

“We can sadly confirm a man has died following this evening’s incident. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, alongside everyone else impacted and specialist officers continue to provide support.”

“British Transport Police are working at pace, along with our colleagues in emergency services and the rail industry, to understand the circumstances leading up to this collision. Residents will see an increased policing presence in the area in the coming days as a result.”

Superintendent Andrew Morgan