Collision with a tree and derailment at Balderton

At around 23:15 hrs on 26 November 2021, an empty coaching stock train travelling between Wrexham General and Chester collided with part of a fallen tree on the approach to Balderton level crossing. The collision caused the train to derail its leading axle. At the time of the collision, the train was travelling at 50 mph (80 km/h). No injuries resulted from the collision, but there was some damage caused to the train and to local signalling equipment.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

The safety digest will be made available on our website in the near future.