Great Western Coffee Shop

I have the honour to report for the information of the Minister of Transport, in accordance with the Order dated 25th November, 1960, the result of my Inquiry into the head-on collision hetween a freight train and a multiple unit diesel passenger train which occurred at about 5.45 p.m. on 24th November 1960, on the single line section between Pontrhydyfen and Cwmavon. These stations lie on the former Rhondda and Swansea Bay line in the Western Region, British Railways.

The Down unfitted freight train was to he stopped at Pontrhydyfen to cross the Up passenger train, but it became out of control on the steep falling gradient approaching and through that station. It passed the starting signal at danger and continued into the section towards Cwmavon, which also falls steeply, and collided head-on about f mile further on with the Up passenger train, which had left Cwmavon under clear signals. At the time of the collision the freight train was travelling at about 20 m.p.h. and the passenger train at about 15-20 m.p.h.

The damage to both trains was considerable. I regret to report that the driver of the passenger train and the fireman of the freight train were killed, and that three passengers and the driver of the freight train were seriously injured.

35. This accident was caused by Driver Evans leaving Duffryn Rhondda with insufficient brake power on the freight train and allowing it to travel too fast on the steep falling gradient. The Instructions lay down that sufficient brake power to control a train must be applied on the wagons, and that the brakes of the engine and brake van must he considered as reserve power, but the Instructions were clearly not carried out.