The Cabinet Secretary for Transport answered questions today (22/10/24) from Russell George MS, following requests for further information on the incident near Llanbrynmair
Two Transport for Wales trains were involved in a low-speed collision near Llanbrynmair on Monday evening. Sadly, a man died following the collision and 15 others have suffered injuries which are not believed to be life threatening or life changing.
The Cambrian Railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while specialist teams continue their investigations, and Transport for Wales have urged passengers not to travel to this part of the network.
Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates MS spoke in the Senedd today (22/10/2024). Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George responded to the statement in the Senedd, paying tribute to the ‘gentleman’ who sadly lost his life in the train collision and asked the Cabinet Secretary for an update on the health of those injured. Mr George also said that people will rightly want to know What happened and why the incident occurred.
Mr George who was also briefed on the incident by the CEO of Transport for Wales said:
‘‘My immediate thoughts are with the family of the gentleman that sadly died, and for those that have been injured. Our thanks should also go to all the emergency services who were in attendance.
‘’Clearly there are many questions about how this accident happened, and I had the opportunity to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary about this incident in the Senedd”
“It must have been an anxious time for the approximately 40 passengers and staff who were involved in the incident. What happened and Why the incident occurred are questions that need to be answered. It may be some time, understandable, to get this information.
“The Cabinet Secretary confirmed to me that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is leading the investigation into the incident, supported by British Transport Police. He went on to say that a full report could take several months, but it may be possible for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to produce an early indication of the cause.
‘’For now, it’s important the investigators are allowed to do their work, I was however pleased that the Cabinet Secretary told me ’’
“I was also told that rail services are still unable to operate on the Cambrian line between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury until at least the end of tomorrow (Wednesday)”
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