Six injured as train collides with tractor near Leominster

Six people have been injured after a train carrying 66 passengers was in collision with a tractor and trailer at a level crossing near Orleton, just north of Leominster.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10.40am on Thursday (22 May) after reports that a five-carriage train had struck an agricultural vehicle on the tracks.

Police, paramedics, firefighters, and the air ambulance remain in attendance as investigations continue.

See also: Visit the Know How centre for information on how to stay road legal

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “British Transport Police were called to a level crossing north of Leominster at 10.40am today following reports that a train had struck a tractor and trailer.

“Officers are in attendance alongside West Mercia Police, paramedics, and the fire service.

“Currently, six individuals are being assessed by paramedics with injuries that are not thought to be serious. Enquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances.”

British Transport Police later confirmed that a 32-year-old man from Bromyard, who is understood to be the driver of the tractor, has been arrested on suspicion of endangering safety on the railway. “Enquiries remain ongoing into the full circumstances leading up to the incident,” the force added.

The crash has caused significant disruption to services between Hereford and Shrewsbury, with Transport for Wales confirming that all lines in the area are currently closed. Delays are expected to continue into the evening.

Several fire crews dispatched 

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service dispatched crews from seven stations across the region.

A fire service spokesman said: “Six people have been handed over to the care of the ambulance service with minor injuries. There is no fire, and the train was not derailed, but there will be some disruption to the line.”

The Midlands Air Ambulance landed at Hereford County Hospital, with West Midlands Ambulance Service confirming: “We were called to an incident on the railway track at Nordan Farm, Leominster at 10.46am. We currently have an ambulance, five paramedic officers, and the air ambulance on scene.”

All nearby roads remain open, but train passengers are urged to check for updates before attempting to travel.