The two trains involved in a fatal crash in Powys have been recovered from the track and are now in a Transport for Wales depot in Machynlleth.
The trains collided along the Cambrian line at Talerddig, near Llanbrynmair on Monday evening, October 21. A passenger in his 60s, named as Tudor Evans from Ceredigion, died as a result of the crash while several other people suffered injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals.
In a video providing an update in the week since the crash, engineering director at Transport for Wales Ryan Williams confirmed that the trains had been recovered from the trackside.
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He said: “I just wanted to provide an update on the recovery of the two class 158 units that were tragically involved in a low speed collision on October 21 in the evening.
“We’ve been working with the relevant agencies, our partners Network Rail and the emergency services during the week, to safely and in a controlled manner recover the trains from trackside.
“I can confirm both trains are now at our depot here in Machynlleth. They’ll remain here for some further testing, and then move onwards to another location for further repair.
“I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of Transport for Wales to thank everyone who’s involved in the recovery of the trains, particularly our customers for their patience and understanding as we work through this complex process.”
The Cambrian line has reopened following last week's rail accident.
— Trafnidiaeth Cymru / Transport for Wales (@transport_wales) October 28, 2024
We wish to thank our passengers for their patience, understanding and support - Diolch
Remember to check your journey before you travel: https://t.co/nsQjeIeyL0@NetworkRailWAL pic.twitter.com/2P0UdlzNnX
In the days after the crash, a stretch of the A470 trunk road between Carno and Glantwymyn was closed while the recovery was taking place. The road reopened in both directions shortly after 4.30pm on Friday, October 25. The Cambrian Line also did not resume normal service until Monday, October 28.
In the video, Nick Millington, Network Rail’s route director for Wales and borders, added: “Incidents like this, whilst very sad, are extremely rare on our railway. We continue to run one of the safest railway networks in Europe.
“Site based investigations have completed, although the investigation is ongoing. We have carried out very rigorous safety checks throughout the area and we have run test trains through the area to make sure the railway is safe.
“Having done that, we will now re-open the railway.”
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