Investigation into a collision between a train and a lorry at Llanboidy level crossing, near Whitland, Carmarthenshire on 19 December 2011

At 09:45 hrs on Monday 19 December 2011, train 1W21, the 09:10 hrs service from Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly, struck a lorry on Llanboidy automatic half barrier (AHB) level crossing, which is located about 14 miles (22 km) west of Carmarthen, near the village of Whitland.  The train did not derail but serious damage was caused to the driving cab.  Several people on the train suffered minor injuries or shock during the accident, and a passenger became ill while the train was being evacuated.  The lorry driver was not injured.

The RAIB’s preliminary examination has found that the lorry, which was carrying straw bales and towing a similarly loaded trailer, had stopped on the level crossing, with the crossing barrier on the exit side lowered in front of it.  The train, a two coach diesel multiple unit, had been approaching the crossing at about 68 mph (109 km/h), but an emergency brake application had reduced the speed to about 41 mph (66 km/h) when the collision occurred.  The train pushed the lorry about 80 metres along the railway.

 

LLanboidy image
Collision at Llanboidy level crossing
 

The investigation will identify the exact sequence of events that led to the accident.  It will also include consideration of the layout of the level crossing, the actions of the lorry driver, the factors which caused the lorry to stop on the crossing and the crashworthiness of the Class 175 unit involved in the collision.

The RAIB's investigation is independent of any investigation by the police or safety authority (the Office of Rail Regulation).

The RAIB will report on its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation.  This information will be available on the RAIB website.

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