David Tudor Evans Obituary, Death; – A man who lost his life in a train collision in mid-Wales was recognized by his wife at the scene, as revealed during an inquest. David Tudor Evans, a 66-year-old passenger, perished when two Transport for Wales (TfW) trains collided head-on near Talerddig in Powys at 7:26 PM on October 21. While the official cause of death has not yet been disclosed, it is believed he may have suffered a heart attack.
Louisa Corcoran, the assistant coroner for Ceredigion, initiated an inquest into his death at the Aberystwyth Justice Centre on Wednesday. The coroner’s officer reported that Mr. Evans’ wife, Rachel Evans, identified him to the police at the scene.
The officer stated, “Mr. Evans was identified at the scene by his wife to British Transport Police officers as David Tudor Evans from Capel Dewi.” The coroner noted that a post-mortem examination is currently underway and adjourned the inquest pending the ongoing police investigation.
Ms. Corcoran remarked, “While I would like to schedule a date for a future inquest, I am unable to do so at this time; however, a date will be established in due course.” In addition to Mr. Evans, four other individuals sustained serious injuries during the incident, and another eleven required hospital treatment for their injuries.
Investigators have indicated that the incident may have been precipitated by slippery rail conditions. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reported last week that the track conditions leading up to the collision resulted in “relatively low” adhesion between the wheels and rails.
This condition suggests that an Aberystwyth-bound train may have skidded while attempting to brake, colliding at approximately 15 mph with a stationary train headed for Shrewsbury.
An internal log detailing the events of the crash indicates that the driver of the Aberystwyth train reported entering the loop as intended but was “unable to stop due to the railhead conditions,” leading to the train passing a stop signal. A signaller had instructed the oncoming train to execute an “immediate stop,” but a collision was ultimately unavoidable. A conductor on the sliding train experienced a “bang to the head” and potential fractures.
