TfW seeks cover after loss of ‘Sprinters’ in train fire

Transport for Wales says rail services will continue to be affected “for the rest of 2022”, following a train fire near Craven Arms in Shropshire on May 22.

A reduced service across the Valleys network, including no trains on the City Line in late May, was the immediate outcome of the damage to a pair of Class 150/2 ‘Sprinter’ two-car diesel multiple units.

But with rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus services, and replacement buses for students to and from Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School, TfW admits that its services will continue to be affected, although no further details are yet available.

The 2043 Crewe-Cardiff Central, formed of 150208/242/279, came to a stand shortly after Craven Arms station on May 22, with the first two units having caught fire after hitting a stolen mini digger that had been abandoned on the railway (RAIL 958). A criminal investigation is under way.

The 60mph collision caused major fire damage to the first two units.

‘Sprinters’ are the only trains used on many routes across the network, including the Core Valley Lines to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil.

TfW Planning and Performance Director Colin Lea said: “The loss of two trains will make it far more challenging to provide additional capacity for busy services over the next few months, particularly for events at the Principality Stadium such as the Stereophonics and Tom Jones concerts in June.

“We’re working with the industry to source additional trains to cover for the damaged units and hope to announce a temporary arrangement soon.”