Train companies have responded to the findings of an investigation into a fatal Powys train crash that found a failure with the train’s brakes.
In a joint statement, Transport for Wales and Network Rail said that “safety is our main priority” in the wake of early findings of an ongoing investigation into a collision between two trains Talerddig, near Llanbrynmair.
On Tuesday, October 5, two weeks after a train crash on the Cambrian life claimed one person’s life and injured several others, an update from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIO) stated that an automated system that helps train wheels grip tracks failed on one of the trains involved.
In a joint statement, the train companies said: “Following the rail collision in Powys on Monday 21 October, Transport for Wales and Network Rail have fully cooperated with the British Transport Police, Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation branch.
“As investigators are currently still ongoing, we’ll continue to work together with investigators to understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendation of the investigation.
READ MORE: Investigators say brake system failed in Powys train crash
The RAIB said an inspection of the train after the accident showed that the sanding hoses on the leading vehicle of the train were “blocked and apparently unable to discharge sand”.
The system is designed to discharge sand automatically via hoses when it detects that the wheels are sliding during braking, intended to increase friction between the wheels and the tracks.
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The preliminary examination of the RAIB into the train crash found that the driver applied service braking to slow the train only for wheel slide to be “constant” during the emergency breaking progress, having “started during service braking”.
The joint statement by Transport for Wales and Network Rail added: “Safety is always our main priority for our customers and colleagues, and we have carried out enhanced checks to the trains and railway lines to enable the re-opening of the Cambrian line on Monday, October 28.
“At this early stage of the investigation, it’s fundamental that we await the findings of the full report and show sensitivity towards our customers, colleagues, the local community and the families of those affected by the incident.”
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