A man has died and 15 others have been rushed to hospital after two trains crashed into each other on a remote line in Wales.

Emergency services raced to the scene near Llanbrynmair, Powys, after a pair of passenger trains collided into each other on the Cambrian line at 7.29pm.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers swarmed the area, along with British Transport Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard crew members.

The force confirmed that a man, whose age has not been specified, died in the collision.

A further 15 people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening or life changing, the police said.

There is no longer a police presence at the scene and all the other passengers have been evacuated from both trains and taken home on rail replacement buses. 

As a result of the crash, the line between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth has been closed. 

The main A470 trunk road in Talerddig has also been closed by police, who have told motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes for their journey. It is not expected to open until the early hours of Tuesday morning. 

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: 'We can confirm one person has died following a collision between two trains, which occurred near Llanbrynmair in Powys this evening.

'A multi-agency response to the incident saw Dyfed-Powys Police officers, along with British Transport Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and agencies from the rail industry called to the trainline at just before 7.30pm.

'Sadly, we can now confirm a man has died following the collision. His next of kin have been informed and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

'A further 15 people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening or life changing. 

'All other passengers have now been evacuated from both trains. Our thoughts are with the people and families involved in this incident.

'While we no longer have a presence at the scene, we will continue to work with our emergency services colleagues and transport agencies while enquiries into the incident are ongoing.'

Superintendent Andrew Morgan said: 'We can sadly confirm a man has died following this evening's incident. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, alongside everyone else impacted and specialist officers continue to provide support.'

'British Transport Police are working at pace, along with our colleagues in emergency services and the rail industry, to understand the circumstances leading up to this collision. Residents will see an increased policing presence in the area in the coming days as a result.'

Network Rail said the two trains involved were the 6.31pm Transport for Wales service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 7.09pm Transport for Wales service from Macyhnlleth to Shrewsbury.

A witness told Cambrian News that a few people had suffered injuries on board his train and claimed one person had been airlifted to hospital.

He said: 'There was a train that was stopped and the other train couldn't stop.

'The driver ran in and sat on a chair and said brace yourselves - we're about to hit a train.

'Someone lost their teeth, cracked ribs.'

Passengers from both trains were seen boarding replacement buses just after 11pm.

A joint statement from Network Rail and Transport for Wales said: 'Emergency services are responding to an incident near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Mid Wales, involving two trains – the 18.31 Transport for Wales service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 19.09 Transport for Wales service from Macyhnlleth to Shrewsbury.

'The line is closed as they carry out their work. Our main priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to support the emergency services as they respond to the incident.

'We would encourage passengers to plan ahead and check journeys before travelling via National Rail Enquiries.'

Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan says her thoughts are with those involved in the rail collision.

Posting on X, she said: 'My thoughts are with all those involved in the rail incident in Powys earlier this evening.

'I would like to thank the emergency services for their response and have asked to be kept informed of any developments throughout the night.'