Derailment and fire in Carmarthenshire

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The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating the derailment and a fire involving a tanker train at Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, 26 August 2020.

At about 23:15 on 26 August 2020, a freight train from the Robeston oil refinery in Milford Haven to the fuel distribution terminal in Theale, Berkshire, derailed on the ‘Up District line’ near Llangennech, in Carmarthenshire. The train, hauled by DB Cargo, consisted of 25 tank wagons, each containing up to 75.5 tonnes of diesel or gas oil. 

The derailment and the subsequent damage to the wagons resulted in a significant spillage of fuel and a major fire.  The fire was tackled by the fire service, who ordered the evacuation of local residents due to concerns for their safety.  Local people have reported seeing a plume of flames and smoke, and the strong smell of fuel.

Subsequent examination of the site revealed that a total of 10 wagons (positioned 3rd to 12th in the train) had derailed.

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