A train driver has died and 89 people have been left injured after two passenger trains collided near Bedford on Friday evening, prompting authorities to declare a major incident.
Crash Details
The crash happened shortly after 5pm on the railway south of Bedford, near the Elstow interchange between the A421 and A6. British Transport Police confirmed the driver's death shortly before 9pm and said a number of passengers and railway staff were also injured.
According to the East of England Ambulance Service, 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 sustained serious injuries and 56 people were treated for minor injuries. Emergency services, including specialist ambulance teams and an air ambulance, were deployed to the scene.
Trains Involved
East Midlands Railway confirmed that the collision involved its 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras and its 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras. The company said it was working with Network Rail and emergency responders as investigations continue.
Witness Accounts
The cause of the collision has not yet been established. However, reports from passengers suggest one train may have struck another that was stationary or moving slowly on the same line. Witnesses described a violent impact, with people thrown from their seats and passengers suffering facial injuries, broken bones and other wounds.
Passengers have spoken out to say many people were thrown forward by the force of the crash, saying that there was a lot of blood and numerous facial injuries.
Damage and Response
Aerial footage from the scene showed significant damage to both trains. Most carriages remained on the tracks, although at least one carriage appeared to have been forced off the line.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) confirmed that the train driver who died was a former union representative. General secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union was "devastated" by the loss and offered condolences to the driver's family, friends and colleagues.
Investigation
Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have arrived at the scene and begun gathering evidence to determine exactly how the crash occurred. The agency said inspectors were working on-site near Elstow as part of the initial investigation.
Rail services between Luton and Bedford were suspended following the collision, with East Midlands Railway cancelling services to and from London St Pancras for the remainder of the day.
British Transport Police urged members of the public to avoid the area while emergency operations continued. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local ambulance crews remained at the scene into the evening.
Hospital Response
Local hospitals also responded to the incident. Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital asked members of the public to avoid attending their emergency departments unless they had a genuine medical emergency, saying they were supporting the response to the crash.
Official Reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described reports of the collision as "hugely concerning" and said his thoughts were with the family of the person who died and those who were seriously injured. He also praised emergency services for their swift response.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was deeply saddened by the death and confirmed that a full investigation would take place. Health Secretary James Murray said he was being kept updated on developments and thanked first responders for their work.
