Blocked Sanding System Linked to Fatal Train Crash

Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reported that a safety system designed to prevent trains from skidding was malfunctioning during a head-on collision in Powys, Wales, on October 21, which resulted in the death of passenger David Tudor Evans, 66, and injuries to 15 others. The system, which discharges sand to increase wheel traction, had blocked hoses, preventing it from functioning effectively. The crash occurred when a train traveling from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth skidded into an oncoming train while attempting to stop at the Talerddig loop. Data indicated that the first train was traveling at 15-24 mph and experienced constant wheel slide despite the driver applying both service and emergency brakes. The RAIB continues to investigate conflicting evidence regarding the trains' speeds at the time of the collision.