NEW pictures and video show charred trains being moved from a crash site on the line between Hereford and Shrewsbury.
Sam Putterill-Evans shared the pictures of the Transport for Wales (TfW) trains being moved by lorries on the A49 through Craven Arms.
He said there was some slow traffic as the lorries squeezed by other cars and vans at around 5pm on Thursday (June 30).
The burnt Transport for Wales train, which crashed into a digger near Craven Arms, were seen on the back of lorries on the A49. Picture: Sam Putterill-Evans
The train – which was made up of three two-car Sprinter units – struck a mini digger at around 60 mph, causing major fire damage to the first two units.
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The mini digger is believed to have been stolen from a nearby rental yard before being abandoned on the line, Transport for Wales said.
A fire boke out on the train after it crashed into a mini digger in Long Lane, Craven Arms
British Transport Police launched a major criminal investigation and appeal for information about the incident, but said no one was seriously injured in the crash on Sunday, June 22.
But the damage to the trains will take several months to repair, leaving TfW with four fewer carriages to use across the whole Wales and Borders network.
The sides of the train are charred by flames from the fuel fire. Picture: Sam Putterill-Evans
Sprinter trains are the only trains used on many routes across the network, including the Core Valley Lines to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil.
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Colin Lea, Transport for Wales’ planning and performance director, said the company was relieved the incident was not more severe, and praised the quick actions of the driver and conductor, as well as the emergency response from others.
The wreckage of the mini digger near the Long Lane level crossing in Craven Arms. Picture: Rob Davies
He added: “The impact of this serious criminal act will however continue to be felt for some time.
"The loss of two trains will make it far more challenging to provide additional capacity for busy services over the next few months."
The crash happened near the Long Lane level crossing at Craven Arms. Picture: Rob Davies
The latest from police is that they believe the fire was a result of the attempted theft of two mini diggers which then ended up on the tracks.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said the crash with the mini digger resulted in a fuel leak which then caught fire.
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