Emergency services race to scene in mid Wales amid reports two trains have collided on remote line

Emergency services have raced to a scene in Wales after two trains collided on a remote line.

British Transport Police officers were called to the line near Llanbrynmair at 7.29pm after two trains collided at low speed on the Cambrian line. 

Network Rail said the two trains involved were the 6.31pm Transport for Wales service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 7.09pm Transport for Wales service from Macyhnlleth to Shrewsbury.  

Coastguard helicopters have been spotted above the incident site and appear to be lighting the way for paramedics, fire and rescue, and Dyfed Powys Police officers at the scene.

A number of road ambulances and an air ambulance are also said to be in attendance at the ongoing incident. 

A road is closed in Dolfach after two trains collided at low speed on the Cambrian line just outside Llanbrynmair at 7.29pm

As a result, the line is currently closed between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth and disruption is now expected until the end of the day. 

The main A470 trunk road in Talerddig has also been closed by police, who have told motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes for their journey. 

A joint statement from Network Rail and Transport for Wales: ‘Emergency services are responding to an incident near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Mid Wales, involving two trains – the 18.31 Transport for Wales service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 19.09 Transport for Wales service from Macyhnlleth to Shrewsbury.

‘The line is closed as they carry out their work. Our main priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to support the emergency services as they respond to the incident.

‘We would encourage passengers to plan ahead and check journeys before travelling via National Rail Enquiries.’

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers were called to the line near Llanbrynmair at 7.29pm today (21 October) to reports of a low-speed train collision involving two trains.

‘Paramedics, Fire and Rescue, and Dyfed Powys Police are all in attendance and the incident is ongoing. ‘