Investigation launched into cause of train crash that left a person dead

Rail investigators are working to establish the cause of the first head-on train crash in the UK this century, which killed a passenger in his 60s.

- Steven Morris, Gwyn Topham, Jamie Grierson

A further 15 people were treated in hospital after the collision on Monday evening between the Welsh villages of Talerddig and Llanbrynmair, close to a passing loop on the largely single-track Cambrian line.

It appears that the train that should have stopped was unable to do so, but the collision was slow enough that neither train derailed.

Leaves on the line in this heavily wooded area are one leading avenue of investigation. Network Rail spends millions clearing autumn leaves from lines because they are regarded as the equivalent of black ice on roads.

Police and inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will also be checking for a signals failure. The line was used as the pilot for the introduction of digital signalling and train control systems, which are designed to reduce the chance of human error.