Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376147/32151/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:59, 20th June 2026 |      |
An update, from the BBC:
Driver dead and 33 people seriously injured as Bedford train crash declared major incident
A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured after two trains collided in the Bedford area as police declare a major incident.
Eleven people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and a further 56 have minor injuries, the East of England Ambulance service said.
The crash involved two southbound East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, both travelling to London St Pancras on Friday afternoon. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union was "devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died" in the crash.
In a statement, the British Transport Police (BTP) said they had declared a major incident following the collision, which took place at around 17:15BST.
"We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died", the statement said.
Passenger Dr Peter Knapp told the BBC he was travelling in the "front carriage of the train that collided into another one".
"When I got up, I saw all of the chairs everywhere. It felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion.
"When I got up, I saw people's bloodied faces and people's legs looked broken and there was smoke everywhere", he said.
Speaking from the side of the road, Knapp said the police were taking passengers details while some were taken taken to hospital. "Some people are spitting out blood", he said.
(BBC article continues)
A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured after two trains collided in the Bedford area as police declare a major incident.
Eleven people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and a further 56 have minor injuries, the East of England Ambulance service said.
The crash involved two southbound East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, both travelling to London St Pancras on Friday afternoon. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union was "devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died" in the crash.
In a statement, the British Transport Police (BTP) said they had declared a major incident following the collision, which took place at around 17:15BST.
"We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died", the statement said.
Passenger Dr Peter Knapp told the BBC he was travelling in the "front carriage of the train that collided into another one".
"When I got up, I saw all of the chairs everywhere. It felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion.
"When I got up, I saw people's bloodied faces and people's legs looked broken and there was smoke everywhere", he said.
Speaking from the side of the road, Knapp said the police were taking passengers details while some were taken taken to hospital. "Some people are spitting out blood", he said.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Heavy road vehicles on railway level crossings - various incidents In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [376145/29071/52] Posted by stuving at 00:23, 20th June 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
With my apologies that it has taken rather longer than I expected, stuving, I have now made at least a start on splitting off posts relating specifically to this new topic heading and merging them here. The original post headings have been retained, wherever possible.
There are still some relevant posts in the 'France' topic in particular, and on the 'Wider Picture Overseas' board generally, which I will continue to identify, move and merge with these here.
Thanks again for your constructive suggestion. Regards, CfN.
There are still some relevant posts in the 'France' topic in particular, and on the 'Wider Picture Overseas' board generally, which I will continue to identify, move and merge with these here.
Thanks again for your constructive suggestion. Regards, CfN.
Chris; thanks for all your efforts on this. I had no real idea what might be involved, or what was possible, hence I avoided asking for any specific action. But your rather generous answer to that question has, I imagine, given you a lot of work. So many thanks for that.
I see that you have rounded up the posts I did make; now all I have to do is remember what I was hoping to post but did not at the time ...
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376144/31355/51] Posted by grahame at 23:48, 19th June 2026 | |
Cooking ... I have learned to walk in the shade of buildings and stop at cafes with shades to rehydrate.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376143/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:46, 19th June 2026 Already liked by JayMac | |
The train did take some of the strain at Lappa Valley.
Hmmm.
I'm glad to see that Mumsy wasn't phased by having to sit next to a 'gurning twonk' (your description, not mine!).
The gurning twonk stalking again.
TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
CfN.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376142/32151/51] Posted by JayMac at 23:08, 19th June 2026 | |
At risk of speculation, although that image, and others I have seen, do show the separation and slewing of one vehicle of the 810. We have to be thankful there wasn't a passing train on the adjacent line. It appears that the slewed carriage is the third of the five car Class 810. That suggests a fair bit of energy has travelled through three carriages.
The energy involved to create the damage shown does suggest this wasn't a slow impact. Eye witness accounts back that up.
That's enough (informed) speculation from me for now. The RAIB are on scene and they will diligently piece together all the events, gather all the evidence and interview all parties involved. In the fullness of time they will publish their report. It will, as always, be an interesting read.
EDIT: Having just read the latest sad update, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has sadly died.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376141/32151/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:02, 19th June 2026 | |
Live, from the BBC:
One dead and 11 very seriously injured in Bedford train crash as police declare major incident
Summary
One person has died after two trains collided in Bedford, according to British Transport Police
The ambulance service says 89 people have been injured, with 11 of them suffering "very serious injuries"
A major incident has been declared, with firefighters, police and ambulance crews at the scene
The trains involved were the 16:40 from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 from Nottingham to London St Pancras
Passenger Peter Knapp tells BBC News he was in the front carriage of one of the trains: "I felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion"
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has offered his condolences to the person who has died, calling the incident "hugely concerning"
East Midlands Railway says all its services to and from London St Pancras have been suspended; Thameslink says all lines are blocked between Luton and Bedford
Summary
One person has died after two trains collided in Bedford, according to British Transport Police
The ambulance service says 89 people have been injured, with 11 of them suffering "very serious injuries"
A major incident has been declared, with firefighters, police and ambulance crews at the scene
The trains involved were the 16:40 from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 from Nottingham to London St Pancras
Passenger Peter Knapp tells BBC News he was in the front carriage of one of the trains: "I felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion"
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has offered his condolences to the person who has died, calling the incident "hugely concerning"
East Midlands Railway says all its services to and from London St Pancras have been suspended; Thameslink says all lines are blocked between Luton and Bedford
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376140/31355/51] Posted by Mark A at 22:08, 19th June 2026 | |
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376139/32151/51] Posted by Mark A at 22:05, 19th June 2026 | |
Ah.
Does one of those photos suggest that one end of one of the carriages of the the 810 train derailed and slewed out of alignment, fouling the adjacent running track?
If so, that is significant... and hasn't it happened before? How similar is this train and its coupling to one of LNER's?
Mark
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376138/31355/51] Posted by JayMac at 21:45, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Mark A, Western Pathfinder | |
Glad it wasn't this week. I've been in Cornwall since Monday. Cool and overcast. Just perfect for long walks wheeling Mum round Heligan, Eden Project, Lappa Valley, Lanhydrock, Newquay...
Strenuous work what with our Powerstroll wheelchair attachment failing. If it were next week doing that I think heatstroke would've done for me. Next break with Mumsy will see her self driving a mobility scooter.*
The train did take some of the strain at Lappa Valley.
*If anyone out there has, or knows someone who has, a car boot sized scooter for sale I'd be interested. Trying to avoid paying full retail price. DM me.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376137/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:34, 19th June 2026 | |
From the BBC:
UK weather: Amber extreme heat warning issued as 35C heatwave approaches
The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of southern and eastern England and south Wales.
The warning is valid for Monday and Tuesday and warns of temperatures peaking at 35C (95F). The nights will also be hot, remaining above 20C in some locations.
The developing heatwave is likely to have widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
It brings the risk of impacts to health, especially for vulnerable people, and the danger of sunburn and heat exhaustion in the wider population. People travelling to coasts, lakes and rivers are being warned to stay safe in and around water.
Some travel delays and disruption are also likely.
This is only the sixth amber extreme heat warning that has been issued by the Met Office since they were introduced in 2021 - and the first since August 2022. A more severe red warning was also issued in the July of that year.
It is separate from the amber and yellow Heat Health Alerts that had already been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Those alerts, valid for regions of southern and eastern England until Tuesday, warn of significant impacts to health and social care services - with a likely increase in deaths among elderly and vulnerable people.
In contrast, this Met Office warning suggests that the heat will have effects on the general population.
Temperatures on Friday are due to peak at 31-32C (88-90F) in south-east England, although it will remain cooler in northern and western parts of the UK where rain will continue to fall. Slightly cooler air will arrive from the west on Saturday, although highs of 27 or 28C (81-82F) are still likely.
However, heat will build again from Sunday and by Monday and Tuesday temperatures will peak at 34 or 35C (93-95F) in south-east England. By that stage, large swathes of England and Wales will see highs into the high-20s or low-30s Celsius.
It is very likely that many places will reach official heatwave criteria, and there is a chance that the UK's June temperature record of 35.6C (96.1F), set in 1957 and 1976 will be broken.
Long spells of sunshine will bring high or very high UV levels and pollen levels are also forecast to be very high in places.
High humidity will make it feel particularly uncomfortable and overnight temperatures may remain above 20C (68F) in places, giving little relief from the heat.
(BBC article continues, with graphics and explanations)
The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of southern and eastern England and south Wales.
The warning is valid for Monday and Tuesday and warns of temperatures peaking at 35C (95F). The nights will also be hot, remaining above 20C in some locations.
The developing heatwave is likely to have widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
It brings the risk of impacts to health, especially for vulnerable people, and the danger of sunburn and heat exhaustion in the wider population. People travelling to coasts, lakes and rivers are being warned to stay safe in and around water.
Some travel delays and disruption are also likely.
This is only the sixth amber extreme heat warning that has been issued by the Met Office since they were introduced in 2021 - and the first since August 2022. A more severe red warning was also issued in the July of that year.
It is separate from the amber and yellow Heat Health Alerts that had already been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Those alerts, valid for regions of southern and eastern England until Tuesday, warn of significant impacts to health and social care services - with a likely increase in deaths among elderly and vulnerable people.
In contrast, this Met Office warning suggests that the heat will have effects on the general population.
Temperatures on Friday are due to peak at 31-32C (88-90F) in south-east England, although it will remain cooler in northern and western parts of the UK where rain will continue to fall. Slightly cooler air will arrive from the west on Saturday, although highs of 27 or 28C (81-82F) are still likely.
However, heat will build again from Sunday and by Monday and Tuesday temperatures will peak at 34 or 35C (93-95F) in south-east England. By that stage, large swathes of England and Wales will see highs into the high-20s or low-30s Celsius.
It is very likely that many places will reach official heatwave criteria, and there is a chance that the UK's June temperature record of 35.6C (96.1F), set in 1957 and 1976 will be broken.
Long spells of sunshine will bring high or very high UV levels and pollen levels are also forecast to be very high in places.
High humidity will make it feel particularly uncomfortable and overnight temperatures may remain above 20C (68F) in places, giving little relief from the heat.
(BBC article continues, with graphics and explanations)
My highlighting. CfN.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376136/32151/51] Posted by JayMac at 21:28, 19th June 2026 | |
An update. From the BBC:
Two passenger trains have collided in the Bedford area, leaving a number of passengers and crew hurt.
Emergency crews are on the scene after the crash happened between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services at 17.12 BST.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was "deeply concerned" by reports of the collision, while the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said passengers and staff had sustained "serious injuries".
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue crews are attending the site just south of Bedford and the service asked people to avoid the location while they worked at the scene.
British Transport Police announced just before 18:45 BST it was responding to reports of a collision near Bedford.
Rail service Thameslink reported lines between Luton and Bedford had been blocked since around 17:30 BST.
A passenger who was on board one of the trains, who spoke to the BBC, said the collision happened at 17:12 BST.
The collision happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6 and both trains are still on the track.
Family and friends of passengers have been told not to go the scene by police.
What happened in the collision?
It has been claimed one of the trains hit another that was either stationary or moving slowly in front of it on the same line.
Passenger Peter Knapp said others on his train saw one ahead of them before the crash.
He told BBC News: "I felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion."
Knapp described seeing "bloodied faces", people with what appeared to be broken legs, and "smoke everywhere".
Another passenger told the BBC that people flew out of their seats in the crash, including someone who hit her husband in the face.
"There was a lot of blood. A lot of people had facial injuries," Shola Mene said.
The RMT union said it had received reports that passengers and onboard train staff have sustained what it described as "serious injuries".
The Rail Accident Investigation branch said it was in Bedford trying to find out exactly what had happened.
It said in a statement on X: "A team of RAIB inspectors is on site at the scene of a collision between two trains near Elstow, to start gathering evidence."
Which train services were involved?
East Midlands Railway has confirmed two of its trains were involved in the collision.
A spokesperson said: "The 16:40 EMR train from Corby to London St Pancras has been involved in a collision with 15:50 Nottingham [to] London St Pancras, at Bedford South.
"We are currently on the scene and working with Network Rail to assist the emergency services.
"Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is established."
The train company had earlier posted online that services to and from London St Pancras were suspended for the rest of the day.
What have the emergency services said?
British Transport Police says it is responding to a collision between two trains in the Bedford area.
"We understand that people are concerned about relatives or friends who may have been travelling on the trains involved in the incident near Bedford," a spokesperson added.
"We're asking people not to travel to the scene and await further updates from emergency services."
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews are currently in attendance at an incident on the railway just south of Bedford.
"Please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation."
East of England Ambulance Service said: "We have sent a number of resources, including air ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team, to a major incident on the railway south of #Bedford. We encourage people to avoid the area.
"Further updates will be provided in due course. Please only call 999 in an emergency."
What has been the reaction from politicians?
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was worried by reports of the collision.
She said on X: "I'm deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving two East Midlands Railway passenger trains.
"I'm grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected.
"We're working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers."
Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said the "very serious" incident was "really concerning" and told the BBC he believed there was "a number of casualties".
Health Secretary James Murray said: "I am being kept updated on the collision of two trains between Luton and Bedford.
"A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders who are helping those affected."
Emergency crews are on the scene after the crash happened between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services at 17.12 BST.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was "deeply concerned" by reports of the collision, while the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said passengers and staff had sustained "serious injuries".
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue crews are attending the site just south of Bedford and the service asked people to avoid the location while they worked at the scene.
British Transport Police announced just before 18:45 BST it was responding to reports of a collision near Bedford.
Rail service Thameslink reported lines between Luton and Bedford had been blocked since around 17:30 BST.
A passenger who was on board one of the trains, who spoke to the BBC, said the collision happened at 17:12 BST.
The collision happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6 and both trains are still on the track.
Family and friends of passengers have been told not to go the scene by police.
What happened in the collision?
It has been claimed one of the trains hit another that was either stationary or moving slowly in front of it on the same line.
Passenger Peter Knapp said others on his train saw one ahead of them before the crash.
He told BBC News: "I felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion."
Knapp described seeing "bloodied faces", people with what appeared to be broken legs, and "smoke everywhere".
Another passenger told the BBC that people flew out of their seats in the crash, including someone who hit her husband in the face.
"There was a lot of blood. A lot of people had facial injuries," Shola Mene said.
The RMT union said it had received reports that passengers and onboard train staff have sustained what it described as "serious injuries".
The Rail Accident Investigation branch said it was in Bedford trying to find out exactly what had happened.
It said in a statement on X: "A team of RAIB inspectors is on site at the scene of a collision between two trains near Elstow, to start gathering evidence."
Which train services were involved?
East Midlands Railway has confirmed two of its trains were involved in the collision.
A spokesperson said: "The 16:40 EMR train from Corby to London St Pancras has been involved in a collision with 15:50 Nottingham [to] London St Pancras, at Bedford South.
"We are currently on the scene and working with Network Rail to assist the emergency services.
"Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is established."
The train company had earlier posted online that services to and from London St Pancras were suspended for the rest of the day.
What have the emergency services said?
British Transport Police says it is responding to a collision between two trains in the Bedford area.
"We understand that people are concerned about relatives or friends who may have been travelling on the trains involved in the incident near Bedford," a spokesperson added.
"We're asking people not to travel to the scene and await further updates from emergency services."
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews are currently in attendance at an incident on the railway just south of Bedford.
"Please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation."
East of England Ambulance Service said: "We have sent a number of resources, including air ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team, to a major incident on the railway south of #Bedford. We encourage people to avoid the area.
"Further updates will be provided in due course. Please only call 999 in an emergency."
What has been the reaction from politicians?
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was worried by reports of the collision.
She said on X: "I'm deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving two East Midlands Railway passenger trains.
"I'm grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected.
"We're working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers."
Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said the "very serious" incident was "really concerning" and told the BBC he believed there was "a number of casualties".
Health Secretary James Murray said: "I am being kept updated on the collision of two trains between Luton and Bedford.
"A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders who are helping those affected."
Pictures from the scene:
Sky News report with aerial footage from the scene:
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376135/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 20:41, 19th June 2026 | |
It left Westbury 19 minutes late and then lost another 10 at Bradford Junction. Finally arrived in Swindon 25 late.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376134/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 19:46, 19th June 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
| Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376133/32151/51] Posted by JayMac at 18:37, 19th June 2026 | |
Breaking news as I post - reported at the end of tonight's BBC Evening News.
Serious injuries reported. Trains involved were the 1550 Nottingham to London St Pancras (Class 810) and the 1640 Corby to St Pancras (Class 360). The ex-Corby train has apparently run into the rear of the ex-Nottingham train.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/19/two-emr-trains-collide-near-bedford/
| Re: Dreadful GWR performance figures In "Across the West" [376132/32150/26] Posted by Clan Line at 18:20, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
"Ageing fleet"? The IETs have largely only been in service for 8-10 years, the 387 Electrostars much the same!
I can't speak for the 387s, but the IETs are certainly ageing - very prematurely !! They are in far worse condition that the HSTs ever were at that age - in fact, I would say that HSTs were in better "nick" at twice that age.
I thought that the official view was that IETs are so much better than the HSTs they replaced. And that only I and a FEW others felt otherwise.
My last ride on an IET wasn't actually too bad (perhaps the scenery helped)- but that was comparing it with the awful ride qualities on the outward leg of that trip on a 197. BUT - there was a trolley on board the IET and I got a top notch cup of coffee from there, BUT (again !) the best riding train of that day's trip was the 166 to Cardiff. (I hated writing that !!!)
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [376131/25368/42] Posted by Mark A at 18:10, 19th June 2026 | |
South Western are surveying customers regarding their future timetable. I used it as an opportunity to list myself as a 'Former customer' (largely true) and pointed out that for the DfT to order that the Waterloo-Bristol service cease at a time when commuter provision was going to struggle - and the Waterloo - Bristol trains served a string of visitor destinations, flows for higher education institutions and offered accessibility and resilience benefits... well, that was a poor decision.
Their (brief) form is to be found here:
https://www.southwesterntimetable.com/
Mark
| Re: Dreadful GWR performance figures In "Across the West" [376130/32150/26] Posted by broadgage at 17:17, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Clan Line | |
"Ageing fleet"? The IETs have largely only been in service for 8-10 years, the 387 Electrostars much the same!
I can't speak for the 387s, but the IETs are certainly ageing - very prematurely !! They are in far worse condition that the HSTs ever were at that age - in fact, I would say that HSTs were in better "nick" at twice that age.
I thought that the official view was that IETs are so much better than the HSTs they replaced. And that only I and a FEW others felt otherwise.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [376129/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:09, 19th June 2026 | |
At Didcot apparently.......feels almost inevitable doesn't it?
Cancellations to services between Reading and Swindon
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Swindon all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or diverted between Reading and Bath Spa. Didcot Parkway, Swindon and Chippenham will not be served. Disruption is expected until 17:30 19/06.
| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376128/29345/51] Posted by stuving at 16:30, 19th June 2026 Already liked by JohnM | |
The gentleman who passed away suffered, I believe, a heart attack brought on by the shock / distress of what was going on around him. With that logic, does it seem a little less odd?
Agreed, but it doesn't explain why the other people who were seriously injured were also only in the rear carriage. Or am I reading it wrong?In paras 304-307 of the RAIB report, it records that the fatality resulted from a passenger colliding with a table. Two others suffered head injury from colliding with the seat in front. The guard was walking in the aisle and was thrown to the floor. Those, all the serious injuries, were in one carriage, but that is unlikely to have much significance - there was only one other for them to choose from, after all.
If anything can be said to predispose someone to such injury I'd suggest it was the exact pose they had when thrown against whatever was in the way, how they were bracing themselves (if at all), and their general robustness or fragility (itself related to age) and weight. Little or none of that is known to us.
| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376127/29345/51] Posted by Mark A at 16:07, 19th June 2026 | |
It might be the amount of longitudinal movement allowed by the coupling between the 159 carriages being little to none, at a 30mph closing speed (which is pretty severe) and a head on collision at that, people in each of the carriages may have experienced similar accelerations.
Add to that the example that for an individual a simple uncontrolled fall from a standing position is hazardous even though it may only imply a 12 to 14 mph collision with the ground, a sharp stop from ~ 30mph (or your surroundings suddenly coming at you at ~ 30mph) is not a good scenario.
(Off topic, if anyone reading this feels themselves vulnerable to falls, I can recommend asking a GP to book you into a falls clinic as they're really useful. And... from the falls clinic, the number one tip is... when turning round, turn round in quadrants - feet purposely to the floor and turn 90 degrees, repeat as necessary. 'Twirls' can be a surprisingly bad idea.)
Mark
| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376126/29345/51] Posted by JohnM at 15:10, 19th June 2026 Already liked by John D | |
The gentleman who passed away suffered, I believe, a heart attack brought on by the shock / distress of what was going on around him. With that logic, does it seem a little less odd?
Agreed, but it doesn't explain why the other people who were seriously injured were also only in the rear carriage. Or am I reading it wrong?| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376125/29345/51] Posted by grahame at 14:45, 19th June 2026 | |
I could understand that if it was just one person perhaps with health issues, but the fact that the other seriously injured were also there - seems odd?
It does / did. My understanding (from various public sources) is that the accident was serious enough to hurt some people quite badly. The gentleman who passed away suffered, I believe, a heart attack brought on by the shock / distress of what was going on around him. With that logic, does it seem a little less odd?
| Re: Dreadful GWR performance figures In "Across the West" [376124/32150/26] Posted by grahame at 14:31, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Mark A, Western Pathfinder, eightonedee | |
"Ageing fleet"? The IETs have largely only been in service for 8-10 years, the 387 Electrostars much the same!
Forgive me looking from a West Wiltshire viewpoint on that. Apart from the 05:40 from Bradford-on-Avon to Paddington, the newest train that calls at any station in our constituency is 1993 vintage - 33 years old.
| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376123/29345/51] Posted by John D at 13:45, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Unpleasant Telegraph headline IMO - "Train driver missed chance to avoid fatal crash".
Seems to be based on driver either forgot about, or chose not to use the manual sander when automatic one failed.
But agree it is a very tough headline to use.
| Re: How would YOU solve CrossCountry ? In "Across the West" [376122/32138/26] Posted by paul7575 at 13:11, 19th June 2026 Already liked by trainbuff | |
Can’t really see nationalisation causing the Voyagers to be replaced 10-15 years before their due date, as has already been said.
| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376121/29345/51] Posted by JohnM at 12:55, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Unpleasant Telegraph headline IMO - "Train driver missed chance to avoid fatal crash".
| Re: Collision between two trains at Llanbrynmair, in Powys, Wales - 21 October 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376120/29345/51] Posted by JohnM at 12:05, 19th June 2026 | |
30mph. Ugh. Passenger here: to any drivers reading this, in the most unlikely case that you find your train is in this predicament, it's fine, once you've set its systems to do their best, to see you out of your cab and heading down the first carriage.
Sounds like good advice, although...The 66-year-old was a passenger in the rear carriage of the train to Aberystwyth, as were other people who were seriously injured in the crash just before 19:00 on 21 October, 2024.
I could understand that if it was just one person perhaps with health issues, but the fact that the other seriously injured were also there - seems odd?| Re: Dreadful GWR performance figures In "Across the West" [376119/32150/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 11:25, 19th June 2026 | |
The 175s cannot be doing much for the stats with cancellations, late running, and short forms by taking 150s to cover.
| Re: Dreadful GWR performance figures In "Across the West" [376118/32150/26] Posted by Clan Line at 10:44, 19th June 2026 Already liked by broadgage | |
"Ageing fleet"? The IETs have largely only been in service for 8-10 years, the 387 Electrostars much the same!
I can't speak for the 387s, but the IETs are certainly ageing - very prematurely !! They are in far worse condition that the HSTs ever were at that age - in fact, I would say that HSTs were in better "nick" at twice that age.
| Re: Dreadful GWR performance figures In "Across the West" [376117/32150/26] Posted by John D at 09:31, 19th June 2026 Already liked by Mark A, TaplowGreen, GBM, Sixty3Closure | |
Although the cancellations are total, and GWR caused (so difference between these numbers are caused by others).
However most passengers are not really interested in who the cancellation is caused by, they simply want a reliable service, and if there is a problem, it gets resolved as fast as possible, and what to do in meantime to get them to their destination explained clearly.
Yesterday I was at Bradford On Avon station and every couple of minutes was automatic announcement: "we are sorry the 09:48 to Portsmouth Harbour is delayed by x minutes.....". Just robot mode hollow sounding apology, nothing to help or give reassurance to the waiting passengers. No reason given. Sort of feels symptomatic of attitude of customer comes last, operating convenience first.
Ok, BoA isn't the biggest station, so someone in control not entering a reason for PA to state, might be deemed low priority, but there is old adage look after pennies and pounds like look after themselves. In blunt terms if management don't care about passengers starting at smaller stations then not looking after about half their passengers which isn't good enough. Lose half the passengers and their jobs aren't secure, but they don't seem to get it.
