A YOUNG woman was killed by a train on a North Wales line yesterday just minutes after telling a passing couple it was "a lovely day".
The woman, in her 30s, died when she was hit by the 11.47am service from Llandudno to Manchester Piccadilly, just outside Deganwy station.
She had been sitting on the stile opposite Harbour View Restaurant and Takeaway on Glan y Môr Road, Deganwy, since about 9.30am, looking over the tracks towards Conwy castle.
Moments before the train hit her - the sixth to pass since 9.30am - she spoke to Nigel and Jane Bowler, owners of Harbour View, who were walking their dog.
Mrs Bowler, 37, said: "We took the dog for a walk at 10.50am and she was sat on the stile but moved off so we could get over. She had been there all morning.
"I thanked her for moving and she replied, 'It's a lovely day, isn't it?'. Then she moved for us again when we came back at about 11.30am.
"She seemed fine, like she was waiting for someone, enjoying her day and the view. But a few minutes later the train came out of Deganwy and hit her.
"I feel guilty now having spoken to her - you just don't know what people are thinking. She wasn't upset or crying or anything like that."
The woman has not been identified but is said to be local by British Transport Police, who reported the death to the coroner.
Mr Bowler, 43, said the stile was a popular place when the weather was good. He said: "Lots of people sit on that stile on a nice day and take in the sun and the view across the river.
"But this is terrible. It is an absolutely awful thing to happen and such a waste of a young life. She must have a family, and it must be devastating for them."
The couple, who have two children, said they did not recognise the woman.
Mrs Bowler said paramedics were reading a note which had been left by the woman.
North Wales Police Inspector David Williams said: "It seems she jumped out in front of the train. There are no suspicious circumstances."
The train, operated by First North Western, stopped further up the line before limping into Llandudno station, where it was taken out of service. Passengers were transferred onto coaches and the line was re-opened at 1.18pm.
