David Tudor Evans death: Fatal train crash in Wales could have been avoided if driver had used emergency brake system, investigation finds

A fatal train collision in mid-Wales, which killed one person and seriously injured four, could have been prevented if the train driver had used an emergency speed reduction system, an inquest has concluded.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the driver of one of the trains admitted it “did not occur to them” to engage the manually operated sander.

The head-on collision, which occurred on October 21, 2024, resulted in the death of passenger David Tudor Evans, 66, who died “as a result of impact.”

The incident was the first fatal accident involving more than one train in the UK in more than a quarter of a century.

The collision occurred in rural Cambrian line near Talerddig in Powys; This area is mostly a single-track line with passing loops for trains running in opposite directions.

A westbound Transport Wales (TfW) train, despite braking, failed to stop as intended within a loop and joined the single track too early, crashing into an oncoming train operated by the same operator.

The RAIB said this occurred because the westbound train’s wheels were slipping, which could be a particular problem in autumn when fallen leaves make the tracks slippery.

The Class 158 trains involved in the accident have two systems, one automatic and the other manual, to distribute sand between the wheels and rails when extra grip is needed.

The RAIB had revealed in an interim report in April last year that the westbound train’s automatic system was not working in the moments before the crash due to various faults, including blocked hoses, electrical faults and misplaced plates measuring sand flow rate.

In its full report published on Thursday, the RAIB said the driver did not activate the emergency sanding system in the cab, which is done by pressing the yellow plunger.

The system discharged sand as expected when tested after the crash.

Investigators calculated that if a manual sander was used when the emergency brake was activated, the train would stop in the loop as planned.

The RAIB said a rulebook for TfW drivers stated that they should use the emergency sander “when the train cannot stop at the normal distance” and that its use could prevent a collision.

However, according to the report, the driver, whose name was not mentioned in the report, stated that he did not remember “any training” on the system and that he had not used the system before.

The report stated that “they stated that they had not thought of using it on the night of the accident”; This may be because they initially believed the train would slow down without further intervention.

Investigators said an RAIB investigation of other TfW drivers after the crash “revealed a lack of clarity” about the circumstances requiring the system to be used.

The westbound train traveled approximately 1,080 meters (0.7 mi) beyond the intended stopping position before the collision.

It was traveling at 24 miles per hour while the other train was traveling at 6 miles per hour when the accident occurred.

Mr. Tudor Evans was a passenger on the westbound train.

Three other people, including the guards on the train, were seriously injured, while at least 18 people suffered minor injuries.

While the cabin of the eastbound train was damaged, the driver was seriously injured.

Five other people on the train were reported to have minor injuries.

The report made nine recommendations to reduce the likelihood and mitigate the consequences of a similar incident, including calling for TfW to review how drivers are trained.

Andrew Hall, RAIB’s chief inspector of rail accidents, described the Talerddig crash as “a tragedy”.

He said: “The wide range of grip levels between steel wheels and steel rails is an inherent problem on railways and much effort is being spent on managing this and its possible consequences.

“This may include maintaining the tracks and surrounding area, the way trains and signaling systems are designed, and the way trains are operated and maintained.

“Talerddig research found factors related to many of these areas and the interaction of different parts of the overall railway system.”

He added: “I sincerely hope that the lessons learned from this accident will lead to lasting safety improvements.”

Dave Calfe, general secretary of train drivers union Aslef, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of David Tudor Evans, who tragically lost his life that day, and those injured, including our member.

“We welcome the recommendations in the report and will help implement them to ensure such incidents become even rarer on Welsh rail.”

TfW has been approached for comment.