National Rail has issued an update for passengers travelling between London St Pancras International and Leicester, warning that disruption will continue until at least the end of Saturday, June 20, as emergency services remain at the scene of a fatal train crash. The collision between two passenger trains occurred between Bedford and Luton on Friday, June 19, resulting in the death of a train driver and injuries to 89 people.
Details of the Crash
The incident took place at approximately 5:15pm on Friday. All lines between Luton and Bedford have been closed as emergency services conduct their investigation. Eleven people sustained very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and 56 suffered minor injuries.
National Rail stated: "Whilst they carry out their work, all lines are closed. Trains between London St Pancras International and Leicester will be cancelled or revised. Major disruption is expected until at least the end of the day. NO trains will run between Bedford and London St Pancras International."
Impact on Services
London Northwestern Railway services are also affected. East Midlands Railway has yet to confirm its timetable for services operating north of Bedford for Saturday. Passengers who were scheduled to travel on Friday can use their tickets on Saturday at no extra cost via alternative routes.
Alternative Routes
National Rail has provided the following alternative routes, valid until the end of Saturday:
- Sheffield: Travel to Doncaster with CrossCountry, TransPennine Express or Northern, then change for a train to London Kings Cross (journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours). LNER recommends seat reservations.
- Derby/Chesterfield: Travel to Birmingham New Street with CrossCountry, then change for a train to London Euston with London Northwestern Railway or Avanti West Coast (journey time: 2.5 to 3 hours).
- Nottingham: Travel to Grantham with EMR, then change for a train to London Kings Cross (journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours). LNER recommends seat reservations.
- Leicester: Travel to Nuneaton with CrossCountry, then change for a train to London Euston with Avanti West Coast or London Northwestern Railway (journey time: 2 hours).
These routes are also available in the opposite direction. National Rail assured passengers: "Don't worry about your ticket, other train operators know about the disruption to your journey and your ticket can be used at no extra cost on their trains."
East Midlands Railway has pledged that passengers who need to begin their outward journey from a different operator's station due to the disruption will be permitted to travel back to that station upon their return, regardless of whether the disruption has ended or what ticket type they hold.
