Wales train crash: What we know so far as one person killed in rail smash

The horrific crash happened on Monday night near Llanbrynmair in Powys and saw all passengers get evacuated from both trains, with some needing treatment in hospital

A man died on Monday night following a collision between two trains.

British Transport Police said two passengers services collided near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Wales, and, despite both trains travelling at low speed, 15 people needed treatment in hospital.

A further man has been declared dead, British Transport Police (BTP) has said. BTP offered its condolences to the man and says it is working to establish the full circumstances around his death. The Mirror today outlines the facts we know about the crash, and those that the authorities are continuing to investigate.

Death toll remains at one

Authorities in Wales confirmed the death of one man but say the 15 injured passengers have not suffered life threatening or life changing wounds. All passengers were evacuated from both trains.

BTP Superintendent Andrew Morgan said: "We can sadly confirm a man has died following this evening's incident. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, alongside everyone else impacted and specialist officers continue to provide support.

He said the BTP are working hand in hand with emergency services and the rail industry "to understand the circumstances leading up to this collision". He added: "Residents will see an increased policing presence in the area in the coming days as a result."

Which services were involved?

The low-speed collision involving two trains happened just before 7pm on Monday, police said. Network Rail and Transport for Wales said the incident involved the Transport for Wales 6.31pm service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the Transport for Wales 7.09pm service from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury.

In a joint statement, the two organisations said: "Our first thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who has lost his life, as well as all the other people involved in this incident."

"We're extremely grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and helped our passengers and staff in challenging circumstances. We are working closely with other agencies, including emergency services, to understand how this incident happened and they will have our full support."

How large was the emergency response?

Multiple emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Dyfed Powys Police and the HM Coastguard, have been working alongside railway workers at the scene.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said: "My thoughts are with all those involved in the rail incident in Powys earlier this evening. I would like to thank the emergency services for their response and have asked to be kept informed of any developments throughout the night." They said the Cambrian railway west of Machynlleth will remain closed while specialist teams investigate the collision.

What caused the crash?

The cause of the crash remains unclear at this stage. BTP are working hand in hand with emergency services and the rail industry "to understand the circumstances leading up to this collision".

It mirrors a recent tragedy in the US, which saw one person die following a crash on the New Jersey River Line Light Rail network. The passenger train collided after part of a tree fell across tracks near Bordentown, New Jersey. River Line was suspended between Roebling and Bordentown. New Jersey Transit's services were affected in both directions earlier this month.