Tractor driver had asked for permission to cross before Cardiff-bound train hit him
Tractor driver had asked for permission to cross before Cardiff-bound train hit him
A 32-year-old man was arrested and then released under investigation
The train, which did not derail, continued for another 500m before coming to a stop with the trailer still hanging off its front
A tractor driver crossing a railway line in Leominster had asked for permission to cross before a train hit him, initial investigation findings suggest. The driver of the tractor had been using the level crossing at Nordan Farm near Leominster at 10.37am on May 22 when the Transport for Wales train which had been travelling between Manchester and Cardiff collided with the agricultural trailer which was being hauled by the tractor.
The train, which did not derail, continued for another 500m before coming to a stop with the trailer still hanging off its front.
The tractor driver was not injured in the incident but six train passengers did suffer injuries described as minor. Two of the people who were injured were taken to hospital and later discharged.
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
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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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