Car, train collide on Llanfair Ginny

Crew members, 77 passengers and a vehicle driver escaped injury when a car was in collision with a Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway train at the Cyfronydd Station crossing yesterday.

A full investigation into the incident has now been launched and services on the railway are expected to return to normal after being suspended following yesterday’s incident at 11.45am.

A statement from the Light Railway said: “At approximately 11.45am on Thursday a car was in collision with a Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) train forming the 11.15 service from Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion, while the train was passing over the level crossing at Cyfronydd station.

“Thankfully the incident resulted in no injuries to the driver of the car, the locomotive crew or the 77 passengers and staff on the train. However the car was significantly damaged in the collision, and damage was also caused to locomotive no 823 Countess.

“Operations on the line were immediately suspended while authorities were informed. Police attended the scene and took statements, while following correct procedure the railway informed the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), the UK body for rail safety.

“Following consultation with the RAIB, the W&LLR was permitted to resume operations. However the rest of the day’s services were cancelled while stock involved in the incident was returned to Llanfair Caereinion.

“The W&LLR organised road coaches to return the train’s passengers to their station of origin.

“The W&LLR has begun a full investigation into this incident.”