Train collision with tree, near Spittal, south-west Wales
Train collision with tree, near Spittal, south-west Wales, 17 October 2019
Damage to the train following the collision (images courtesy of Network Rail)
At around 18:33 hrs on 17 October 2019, a train carrying 13 passengers and two members of train crew collided with a large oak tree that had fallen across the line from third-party land. The train driver suffered a minor injury and was left shocked by the incident. The train did not derail, but it was badly damaged and the line was subsequently shut for tree felling.
We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.
The safety digest will be made available on our website in the next few weeks.