**Cardiff Central Station Temporarily Closed Following Major Rail Incident – Full Details of Service Disruption**
Cardiff Central, one of Wales’ busiest rail hubs, has been forced to close temporarily following a serious incident that took place shortly before midday on Wednesday, 11 June. The closure has led to widespread cancellation and delays across the network, with knock-on effects stretching from the Valleys to Swansea and through to Paddington in London.
Emergency services were called to the station around 12:00 pm, when reports emerged that a man had been struck by a train. British Transport Police, South Wales Fire Service, and paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service responded quickly, and have remained at the scene throughout the afternoon. Authorities have confirmed the man has sustained life-changing injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical care.
Transport for Wales (TfW) released a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the wide-ranging impact on rail services. A spokesperson explained, “Fewer trains are able to run on all lines, as emergency services deal with an incident near the railway. As a result, disruption can be expected until at least 3:15 pm.” The announcement comes as large crowds gathered in Central Square, with passengers anxiously awaiting updates and the reopening of the city’s main station.
The closure has led to a significant number of cancelled journeys, with the following services listed as affected: the 12:59 service from Cardiff Central to Swansea, the 13:04 Cardiff Central to Cheltenham Spa, the 13:13 service to Maesteg, and several more, including trains originating from Treherbert, Maesteg, and Cheltenham Spa. These cancellations reflect the widespread effect on both local and longer-distance routes.
In addition to outright cancellations, a raft of services have experienced substantial delays and alterations to scheduled stops. Notably, the 12:40 Cheltenham Spa to Cardiff Central is running nearly 40 minutes behind schedule, while some trains are being rerouted to begin their journeys from Newport—thus bypassing Cardiff Central entirely. Examples include services to Manchester Piccadilly, Ebbw Vale Town, and Holyhead.
Further disruption comes in the form of reconfigured train formations, such as a reduction from five to three carriages on the 14:47 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly service. Passengers have been urged to check live updates and to expect continued adjustments throughout the afternoon as the situation develops.
Recognising the difficulties for stranded travellers, Transport for Wales has swiftly introduced a range of replacement bus services. Shuttle buses are operating between Cardiff and Newport, provided by Ferris Coaches and Cymru Coaches, while a separate shuttle runs between Bridgend and Cardiff via Pencoed, Llanharran and Pontyclun. Additionally, customers are permitted to use certain local bus services provided by First Cymru, Stagecoach (between Cardiff and Ebbw Vale), Cardiff Bus, and Newport Bus, at no extra charge.
At Cardiff Central station itself, there has been a palpable sense of frustration and concern among waiting passengers. Many have expressed appreciation for the swift response by emergency services while also voicing uncertainty over when normal operations will resume. Station staff have been on hand to provide information and support throughout the closure.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of major rail hubs to unexpected emergencies, with extensive ripple effects on regional and national travel. Rail operators have urged all passengers planning to travel through Cardiff today to consult live journey planners and remain patient as efforts continue to restore full service. Officials say updates will follow as soon as further information becomes available regarding the reopening of Cardiff Central.
This developing story serves as a sobering reminder of the vital role played by transport infrastructure in the daily life of the city and the importance of a coordinated and compassionate response when incidents arise. The Welsh rail community remains hopeful that the individual involved will receive the care he needs and that services will return to normal as soon as possible.