An investigation into a train collision in Wales has revealed that an automatic sanding system, designed to ensure safe braking, failed to function properly on the train involved in the accident.
One man died, four people were seriously injured, and 11 others were hospitalised as a result of the collision between passenger trains in Talerddig on Oct. 21.
The fatal accident took place on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, approximately 900 metres west of the passing loop, where opposite travelling trains can pass each other.
An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that train 1J25, from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, continued to travel 1,000 metres beyond where it should have stopped, before hitting a passenger train from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.
Both trains were operated by Transport for Wales (TfW).
The trains were fitted with the wheel slide protection system, which is similar in function to anti-lock braking systems on cars.
The automatic sanding system, also fitted on the trains, is meant to discharge sand automatically via sanding hoses when wheel slide is detected during braking. This increases friction at the wheel-rail interface.
An initial inspection by the RAIB found that the train may have entered into wheel slide while braking.
In a Tuesday update, the RAIB said that sanding hoses fitted to the train were “blocked.”
Ongoing Investigation
According to the RAIB, there is conflicting evidence relating to the speed of the trains at the point of collision and the investigation into this is ongoing.Investigators are working to establish the sequence of events, which led to the accident. They will take into account the actions of those involved and the level of wheel-rail adhesion from the approach to the Talerddig loop to the point of collision.
The train with the failed safety system was reportedly travelling at between 15 and 24 mph, when it collided with another train travelling at around 6 mph.
The RAIB will also consider how well the braking, wheel slide protection, and sanding systems were working on train 1J25.
Network Rail and TfW, which are working with the RAIB and relevant authorities on the investigation, said it is “fundamental that we await the findings of the full report.”
A joint statement by the services said they will continue working with all parties involved, while waiting for the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation.
“Safety is always our main priority for our customers and colleagues, and we have carried out enhanced checks to the trains and the railway line to enable the reopening of the Cambrian line on Monday 28 October 2024.
‘Tragic Event’
TfW’s Chief Operations Officer Jan Chaudhry van der Velde has previously vowed to “get to the bottom” of what caused the collision.“We have worked hard to clear the trains safely from the accident site, and to carry out full safety checks and tests before reopening the line for passenger trains.
“Our condolences go to the family of the passenger who passed away, and we hope that those passengers and staff members injured in the collision make a speedy recovery,” Van der Velde said.
Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route director, called the collision a “tragic event,” but added that “thankfully, incidents like this are extremely rare.”
Network Rail’s engineers have been on site to conduct safety checks, while the service also provided for test train runs through the area.
