The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released a report following a collision between a passenger train and an agricultural trailer at Nordan Farm in Herefordshire on the 22nd May 2025.

The train was travelling at around 80 mph when the accident occurred, resultingb in 6 passengers and a member of staff recieving minor injuries.

Significant damage was caused to the train and trailer but the train did not derail.

The signaller gave permission for the tractor driver to use the crossing, having forgotten about the train and did not check the signal box equipment.

The accident may have occurred due to an interrupted routine and increased work load resulting in fatigue.

The investigation found that the risk assessment for the level corsing did not recognise the high risk or consider vehicles crossing which may be large and slow.

RAIB have made two recommendations for Network Rail including improving the effectiveness of the risk management process and how this may vary across seasons.

The second recomendation is at the actions taken by Network Rail and further assisting signallers and crossing users on vehicle size considersations.

Learning points identified reminds staff to comply with mobile phone policies and asses fatigue levels. Signallers shuld also be utilising available indicators when considering level crossing requests and follow the correct proceses.