Rail services will be disrupted for the rest of the week after two London-bound trains crashed near Bedford, killing a driver and injuring around 100 people.
Incident Details
Network Rail called the crash a “tragic, isolated incident” and said disruption would continue until June 28 while a “complex recovery operation” to remove the damaged trains continues. The fatal collision involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains – with one smashing into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.
Passenger Impact
Passengers have been warned to expect disruption to services to and from Bedford and urged to only travel if “absolutely necessary”. There will be no services north of Luton on the busy commuter Thameslink line and no EMR services south of Bedford, with a limited rail replacement bus service in operation between Luton and Bedford, Network Rail said.
Casualties and Hospitalizations
British Transport Police said more than 80 people were treated in hospital on Friday night, and as of Saturday morning 28 remained in hospital, with nine in a critical condition. Of the 100 victims, 11 people were very seriously injured, a further 32 were seriously hurt and 57 others suffered minor injuries, the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) said.
Official Statements
“While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident,” said Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director. “We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible. During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
