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Journey by Journey => Shorter journeys in South and West Wales => Topic started by: Chris from Nailsea on November 25, 2014, 23:43:19



Title: Man in hospital after Harlech train crossing incident - 25 November 2014
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 25, 2014, 23:43:19
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-30192717):

Quote
Man in hospital after Harlech train crossing incident

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/79255000/jpg/_79255321_img_1613.jpg)
The incident happened close to the town's Royal St David's Golf Club

A man has been taken to hospital after a car was hit by train at a level crossing in Gwynedd.

Emergency services were called to the line at Ffordd Newydd in Harlech on Tuesday at around 12:40 GMT.

The small crossing just before Theatr Harlech gives access to the Royal St David's Golf Club.

The man in his 80s is being treated for minor injuries at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor.

The crossing has gates, but no lights, and a car driver would have to open the gates themselves to cross the railway.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: "The train remained upright and on the tracks following the collision. The driver of the car was freed from his vehicle by colleagues from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. It is believed there were 30 passengers on board the train, which was travelling from Harlech to Machynlleth at the time of the collision. There are no reported injuries at this stage among those on board."

BTP said an investigation would be launched into the cause of the incident.

Arriva Trains Wales services between Barmouth and Pwllheli were suspended after the crash but the line reopened at about 17:30.


Title: Re: Man in hospital after Harlech train crossing incident - 25 November 2014
Post by: JayMac on November 26, 2014, 05:12:22
I think I can make out large signs and yellow telephones there. I wonder whether a call was placed to the signaller?

Other news sources say the car driver is a long time member of the golf club, so unfamiliarity with the crossing can't be an excuse for ignoring signs or not using the telephone.


Title: Re: Man in hospital after Harlech train crossing incident - 25 November 2014
Post by: chrisr_75 on November 26, 2014, 08:21:06
I think I can make out large signs and yellow telephones there. I wonder whether a call was placed to the signaller?

Other news sources say the car driver is a long time member of the golf club, so unfamiliarity with the crossing can't be an excuse for ignoring signs or not using the telephone.

It's often over familiarity that is a causal factor of these accidents at user operated crossings - train running contrary to the normal timetable, or an additional engineering train running in between the scheduled services.

The gentleman involved in this incident has had a very lucky escape indeed.



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