Train hit trailer at 80mph, investigators say

A passenger train that crashed into a trailer on the track in Herefordshire was travelling at about 80mph (129 km/h), investigators have said in initial findings.

Of the 66 passengers and eight staff members on the Transport for Wales Manchester to Cardiff train, six people were reportedly treated for minor injuries, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said.

The train hit a loaded agricultural trailer that was being hauled by a tractor across a user-worked level crossing at Nordan Farm, between Leominster and Ludlow, on 22 May.

Investigators said the tractor driver was not injured and had phoned a signaller before using the crossing.

The RAIB will look at the actions of people involved and any previous incidents at the crossing as part of its investigation, with findings and any recommendations to be published later.

The crossing at Nordan Farm is fitted with telephones and users are directed by signs at the crossing to phone and get permission from the signaller before opening the crossing gates and crossing the railway, the RAIB said.

"Evidence available to RAIB shows that the driver of the tractor involved in this accident telephoned the signaller before using the crossing," a statement added.

Investigators described how the crash caused the tractor and trailer to come apart, and how the trailer became wedged on the front of the train, which ran on for about 500 metres (0.3 miles) while braking, before it stopped.

The crash damaged the train, trailer, track, lineside equipment and another level crossing beyond Nordan Farm.

Rail disruption hit the network for more than 24 hours, with the line blocked between Hereford and Shrewsbury, after the crash.

British Transport Police arrested a 32-year-old man who was released under investigation.

Two of the people who were injured were taken to hospital and later discharged.

Those on board described a "really loud bang" as the train hit the trailer, leaving "debris everywhere".

The level crossing takes a farm track across the railway lines and is only used by agricultural vehicles.

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