Nine people are currently fighting for life in hospital following a devastating train crash in Bedfordshire. Emergency services attended a collision involving two East Midlands Railway trains on the railway line in Elstow, near Bedford, at around 5.15pm on Friday evening (June 19).
Driver Killed in Collision
Tragically, the driver of one of the trains was pronounced dead at the scene. In an update this afternoon (Saturday), Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said 28 out of more than 80 people remain in hospital for treatment today, including nine people who are in a critical condition.
She told reporters at a press conference: "Tragically, the driver of one of the trains died in the collision. His family have been informed and our deepest condolences are with them, his friends, and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway."
The driver’s family, as you would expect, are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time. Over 80 people were treated at hospital last night. As of this morning, 28 remain in hospital, and nine are in a critical condition.
Details of the Incident
The two trains involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both to London St Pancras. A major incident was declared following the collision. An investigation is underway, with a Rail Accidents Investigation Branch van and a Deutsche Bahn vehicle seen on nearby Ampthill Road, which has been closed off this morning.
Royal and Official Responses
King Charles said he was 'greatly saddened' by the crash, and is being kept regularly updated on developments. "His thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson added.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We’re deeply saddened that a railway colleague has tragically died following the incident near Bedford. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues, and with everyone affected. Our teams are on site working closely with the emergency services and industry partners. We want to thank the emergency services and the wider railway family for their professionalism and swift response. In the meantime, we ask passengers to please check before they travel."
