A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured following a collision between two London-bound trains near Bedford. Emergency services responded on Friday afternoon to reports of a crash involving two trains on the line between Bedford and Luton. British Transport Police confirmed a fatality shortly before 9:30 PM.
Fatalities and Injuries
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, later confirmed that the deceased was the driver of one of the trains. The East of England Ambulance Service reported 11 people with very serious injuries, 22 with serious injuries, and 56 with minor injuries.
Political Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his concern, stating: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford. First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured. I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response.”
Details of the Collision
The crash occurred when the 4:40 PM East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras collided with the 3:50 PM Nottingham to London St Pancras service. Footage from the scene showed a massive emergency response, with ambulances and police vehicles lining the railway. Dazed passengers, some covered in blood, gathered around ambulances awaiting transfer to hospital. Others sat on the ground with bandaged heads. Around 30 ambulances and several air ambulances were dispatched.
Witness Accounts
Eyewitness Peter Knapp, who was in the front carriage of one of the trains, described seeing people with “life-threatening, major and minor injuries.” He said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused. I got up and saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train because I’m quite thin and could squeeze through the gap in the doors.” He added that he initially feared a terrorist explosion.
Hospital Response
Bedford Hospital is expecting at least 50 casualties and has called for “all hands on deck,” with staff from several departments asked to assist. The East of England Ambulance Service deployed a Hazardous Area Response Team and urged people to avoid the area.
Official Statements
Health Secretary James Murray said: “I am being kept updated on the collision of two trains between Luton and Bedford. A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders.” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern and thanked emergency services. Thameslink confirmed that trains will not run in or out of St Pancras for the rest of the evening, with disruption expected to last until the end of the day.
Union leaders from RMT, Aslef, and TSSA expressed solidarity with those affected and emphasized the importance of rail safety. Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton called the incident “a distressing situation” and thanked emergency responders.
