Early findings from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have revealed the driver of a tractor followed protocol moments before a train collided with a loaded agricultural trailer
The driver of a tractor which was hit by a train travelling at around 80mph had asked for permission to cross the level crossing moments before the near-fatal incident.
The Transport for Wales passenger service from Manchester to Cardiff smashed into a loaded agricultural trailer, which was being hauled by a tractor, across Nordan Farm near Leominster, Herefordshire at 10.37am on May 22. The train did not derail and continued for another 500 metres before coming to a stop, with the trailer still hanging off its front.
Of the 66 passengers and eight staff members on board the train, six train passengers suffered injuries described as minor. Two of the people who were injured were taken to hospital and later discharged, while the tractor driver was miraculously not injured in the incident.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating the crash and some early findings were published on Wednesday, Wales Online reports. Initial findings found that the tractor driver followed normal protocol before crossing Nordan Farm, with the farmer contacting the signaller via telephone located beside the railway line to ask if it was safe to cross.
When the farmer did cross the Nordan Farm crossing, which is regularly used by drivers of agricultural vehicles, the trailer their tractor was carrying was hit within seconds by the train which was travelling at 80mph, according to the investigation branch. The RAIB statement reads: “Nordan Farm user worked crossing is fitted with telephones. Users are directed by signs at the crossing to use the telephones to obtain permission from the signaller before opening the crossing gates and crossing the railway.
“The evidence available to RAIB shows that the driver of the tractor involved in this accident telephoned the signaller before using the crossing.” It added: “RAIB’s initial analysis indicates that the train was travelling at around 80mph when it struck the trailer.
“As a result of the collision, the trailer parted from the tractor and became wedged on the front of the train. The train then ran for around 500m under braking before it came to a stand.
“The train did not derail as a result of the accident but its leading vehicle, a driving van trailer, and some of the leading passenger coaches suffered damage. Of the 66 passengers and 8 staff on board, 6 passengers were reportedly treated for minor injuries. The tractor driver was uninjured. Damage was also caused to the trailer that was struck by the train and to track, lineside equipment and a second level crossing located beyond Nordan Farm.”
The RAIB confirmed the investigation is ongoing and will “determine the sequence of events that led to the accident”. The actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them, plus any previous incidents at Nordan Farm, will be taken into consideration.
The mainline between Hereford and Shrewsbury was blocked for more than 24 hours following the crash. British Transport Police arrested a 32-year-old man who was released under investigation.
Councillor Dan Hurcomb, who is the ward councillor for the area on Herefordshire Council, said at the time: “I was very concerned to hear about the incident on the railway line today and I am grateful for the swift response of the emergency services. Whilst I am relieved that no-one was seriously injured, the reality is this could have been much worse, and I hope there will be a full investigation now to establish the facts and ensure that this type of accident cannot happen again.”
