Investigators examining a fatal crash involving two trains in mid Wales have found evidence suggesting one of the trains may have slid while braking.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said the condition of the track on the approach to the collision point meant “adhesion” between wheels and rails was “relatively low”.
Initial evidence suggests the collision near Talerddig in Powys at 7.26pm on Monday night occurred at a speed of approximately 15mph.
A man in his 60s died, four other people were seriously injured and 11 more sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment.
The dead man’s next of kin have been informed.
The trains were both Class 158s operated by Transport for Wales (TfW).
It is believed the 6.31pm service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth travelled beyond where it should have stopped and hit the stationary 7.09pm service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.
The RAIB said: “RAIB’s initial inspection of the track on approach to the point of collision found evidence that wheel/rail adhesion was relatively low, suggesting that the train may have entered into wheel slide when braking.
“This will be an area of ongoing investigation.
“Our investigation is in its very early stages and an additional update will be available in the coming days once RAIB has gathered and analysed further evidence.”
Network Rail said one of its railhead treatment trains – which tackle autumn leaf fall – ran along the line where the crash occurred on Sunday night.
The crash happened on the Cambrian line in a rural location with a single track, close to a passing loop where trains travelling in opposite directions can pass each other.
Earlier on Monday, TfW advised passengers that its services were running at reduced speeds through Dovey Junction station – which is on the same line – because previous trains reported the track was “extremely slippery”.
The operator suspended all services on the separate Heart of Wales line on Tuesday “until further notice” due to “poor rail conditions”.
Leaves cause major disruption every autumn when they stick to damp rails and become compressed by train wheels.
This creates a smooth, slippery layer similar to black ice on roads, reducing trains’ grip.
Speed restrictions are often imposed in an attempt to reduce accidents such as the crash between two…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…