1 dead, 15 hospitalized after passenger train collision in Wales

Oct. 23 (UPI) — A passenger died and 15 others were injured when two trains collided in mid-Wales, officials said on Tuesday.

The accident between the two passenger trains occurred at 7.26pm local time on Monday in Talerddig, Powys, the UK Rail Accident Investigation Board said in a statement.

The deceased was identified by British Transport Police in a statement as a man in his 60s. Authorities said the circumstances leading to his death were under investigation.

Of the 15 people hospitalized, four suffered serious injuries, the RAIB reported.

According to authorities, the railway line at Talerddig is single-track and a passing loop is used to allow trains to pass each other safely. The accident occurred about half a mile west of the passing loop.

RAIB said an initial inspection of the track near the collision point found evidence that one of the trains “may have skidded while braking”.

Officials said the collision occurred at a speed of 15 mph.

“We are deeply saddened by the train crash that occurred in Wales last night,” Martin Frobisher, director of safety and technology at Network Rail, which oversees Britain’s rail infrastructure, said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, including passengers, train crew and their families.”