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Driver Did Not Use Emergency System in Fatal Powys Train Crash, Report Finds
Investigators said the westbound train would have stopped in the loop if the driver had used the manual sander, and they issued nine safety recommendations.
- On Thursday, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch reported that the October 21, 2024, fatal head-on collision in Talerddig, Powys, could have been avoided if the train driver had deployed the manual emergency sanding system.
- The westbound Transport for Wales train's automatic sander failed due to electrical faults and blocked hoses, while the driver stated it had "not occurred to them" to use the manual backup system they did not recall training on.
- An RAIB survey of other TfW drivers revealed a "lack of clarity" regarding when the emergency system is required, prompting the agency to recommend that TfW review training processes to ensure driver competency in abnormal or emergency situations.
- Passenger David Tudor Evans, 66, died in the crash, which was Britain's first fatal head-on collision in 25 years; TfW and Network Rail stated they would consider the report's nine recommendations to "help prevent a similar incident."
- Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents Andrew Hall stated that industry leaders must improve track maintenance, train design, and operational procedures to deliver lasting safety improvements, noting that wheel-rail grip is an "inherent issue" requiring systemic solutions.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 40%
C 50%
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