Collision Disrupts Rail Line Before Service Resumes in UK

A collision between a train and a tractor trailer near Leominster halted rail service for over 24 hours, but Transport for Wales (TfW) has since restored the disrupted line. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Thursday morning incident blocked the route between Hereford and Shrewsbury, causing significant delays for commuters and travelers headed toward Cardiff for the weekend.

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Collision Triggers Arrests and Medical Response

Authorities arrested a 32-year-old man following the crash. Two people were hospitalized with minor injuries, but both were later discharged, according to Wye Valley NHS Trust.

Fifteen other passengers were examined on-site and cleared by emergency crews. The driver of the tractor did not suffer any injuries, ambulance officials confirmed.

The collision occurred at a user-worked level crossing on private farmland. In these systems, landowners must coordinate with a signaler to manage gate operations safely.

Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors arrived quickly to examine the scene and collect evidence, launching a formal inquiry into the cause and circumstances.

Train Passengers Describe Chaos After Collision

Morgan Shake, a passenger on the 08:30 train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff, described hearing “a really loud bang” when the train struck the trailer.

“The train stopped suddenly, and debris was scattered everywhere,” she said. Fellow passenger Sophie Hughen added, “Most people didn’t know what had happened, but it was a relief no one was seriously hurt.”

TfW and Network Rail jointly announced the reopening of the line by Friday afternoon. However, they advised passengers to check schedules, especially those traveling for the rugby match in Cardiff.

British Transport Police confirmed the man taken into custody was later released under investigation. No formal charges have been announced yet.

Transport officials stressed the importance of safety at private level crossings. The accident sparked renewed concern about farm track access and rail safety protocols.

This collision highlights the need for strict adherence to crossing rules to prevent future incidents and maintain operational integrity across the rail network.

Source: www.bbc.com

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