Safety calls after train smash

There are renewed calls for safety to be improved at rail crossings following yesterday’s accident at Buttington.

Minor injuries were reported after the Arriva train, carrying 104 passengers, struck a tractor on a crossing, most were in the first carriage which took the brunt of the impact, causing damage to the front of the train.

But last night local politicians voiced their concern and repeated previous calls for safety to be improved.

Assembly Member Russell George said: “This is an extremely serious incident and I am thankful that there were no serious injuries or fatalities.

“The issue of level crossing safety is a significant issue and there are legitimate safety concerns for people living in communities in Montgomeryshire that have to use such crossings on a daily basis.”

British Transport Police has launched an immediate investigation and Supt Andy Morgan said: “Our investigation is continuing into the cause of the collision, including piecing together exactly how the vehicle came to be on the tracks at the time.

“As part of that investigation, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of endangering safety and taken to a police station to assist my officers with their enquiries.

“Officers from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have begun their investigation. There's a substantial amount of damage to the front of the train, as there is to the vehicle that's been struck, but very fortunately only two minor injuries were sustained by passengers that were on the train and by the driver of the vehicle that was struck.”

Dyfed-Powys Police attended the incident and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent four engines.

The Welsh Ambulance Service sent four emergency ambulances and one doctor to the scene.