Welsh Highland R'way fire caused by faulty ash pan

[John Ashworth]

Welsh Highland Railway fire caused by faulty ash pan

May 23 2009 By HYWEL TREWYN
Daily Post

A BLAZE which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to over 100 acres of farmland was caused by a faulty ash pan on a passing steam train.

Rail regulators investigating the blaze on the Welsh Highland Railway between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert on April 20 found the company had not carried out proper safety checks on the train.

Sixty passengers were forced off the train near Pitt’s Head – a crossing near a rock that is said to resemble William Pitt the Younger – after flames were spotted by the driver and crew.

They tried to extinguish the fire themselves, but failed and had to call the fire service for help.

Firefighters battled over three hours to stop the blaze from spreading to forestry after flames quickly took hold of grass and fences and left over 100 acres completely black and burnt.

Office of Rail Regulation spokesman Martin Spencer said: "We concluded that the fire was caused by a design fault in the locomotive's ash pan, which is fitted below the firebox. The wire mesh covering the hopper came loose, prompting sparks from the burnt coal to escape.

"ORR's investigation found that the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways did not have an adequate inspection regime in place.

"Following our investigation, ORR has required a modification to the design, so that the mesh covering the ash pan is unable to come loose, and to strengthen their inspection regime so that the coal powered locomotive is thoroughly checked prior to each dispatch.

"We have also asked Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways to update its safety management system.

"Our inspector has followed this up to ensure these procedures are in place, and is satisfied they have complied and decided ORR will not be proceeding with enforcement action. ORR will however continue to monitor the situation."

The land’s owner, farmer Philip Hughes, 61, of Ffridd Uchaf, Rhyd Ddu, estimated the damage to his land at thousands of pounds. He has now made a claim for compensation.

Mr Hughes said: "The grille basket was bent. Because it was not properly fixed, the ash went to the wind as the train went up the hill."

Mr Hughes, who inspected the train engine for himself, said there were no washers to keep the grille in place.

Mr Hughes said: "I am making a substantial claim. It will be tens of thousands of pounds."

He said the cost of replacing 3km of fencing was around £19,000.

He added: "I have lost pasture. Because they were so reluctant to admit liability, I have got solicitors on the job. Time will tell."

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway manager Paul Lewin refused to accept liability at the time nor days afterwards despite confirmation from North Wales Fire Service that the fire was started by sparks from the train.

Yesterday Mr Lewin said: "We have sorted it out. We have moved on."