A train passenger involved in a devastating collision near Bedford has described the impact as feeling like being in a bomb explosion, sharing harrowing footage from the aftermath.
Collision Details
The incident occurred at approximately 5.15pm on Friday, June 19, when two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services collided just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6. The trains involved were the 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
Casualties and Injuries
Tragically, the driver of one of the trains has been confirmed dead. Eleven people sustained very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and an additional 56 people suffered minor injuries.
Passenger Accounts
Dr Peter Knapp, a passenger on one of the trains, told the BBC he was in the front carriage that collided with another train. He said, When I got up, I saw all of the chairs everywhere. It felt like I had been in a bomb explosion. He described seeing passengers with bloodied faces, broken legs, and smoke everywhere. Dr Knapp noted that police were taking details while some were taken to hospital, and some individuals were spitting out blood.
Another passenger, Shola Mene, reported hearing a big bang. She said, People flew from their seats, the seats were pulling, and then someone just flew across and hit my husband in the face. There was a lot of blood. A lot of people had facial injuries.
Teresa Itabor, from Wellingborough, was heading to London for her birthday. She recounted, We left Bedford station and there was a massive bang... I did not know what was going on. My head hit the seat in front of me. I opened my eyes and that is when I saw people on the floor with blood everywhere.
Footage and Investigation
Footage captured by Dr Knapp shows passengers crying out in the aftermath. Aerial images reveal the two damaged EMR trains, with most carriages remaining on the tracks but at least one derailed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.
