Tractor driver asked for permission to cross line moments before train heading to Wales crashed
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Preliminary findings suggest the driver of a tractor hit by a train while crossing a railway line had sought permission to cross.
The incident occurred at the Nordan Farm level crossing near Leominster at 10.37am on May 22. The tractor, hauling an agricultural trailer, was struck by a Transport for Wales train travelling between Manchester and Cardiff.
Despite the collision, the train did not derail and continued for another 500m before coming to a halt with the trailer still attached to its front.
The tractor driver escaped unscathed from the incident. However, six passengers on the train sustained minor injuries. Two of those injured were taken to hospital but were later discharged, reports Wales Online.
An investigation is underway, conducted by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). In its report released on Wednesday detailing its initial findings the branch found that it seems normal protocol was followed in that the tractor driver did make a telephone call to the signaller to ask if it was safe to cross by using the telephones that are available beside the railway line. The Nordan Farm crossing is regularly used by drivers of agricultural vehicles.
When the farmer did cross the trailer their tractor was carrying was hit within seconds by the train which was travelling at 80mph, according to the investigation branch. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
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 investigation, which is ongoing, will determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and will monitor what went wrong for the incident to happen.
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.
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