The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is conducting a full, independent safety investigation into a fatal train collision near Bedford that left 100 people injured, including nine in critical condition. The crash occurred shortly after 5pm on Friday when an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train from Corby to London St Pancras smashed into the rear of another EMR service from Nottingham to the same destination.
Casualties and Injuries
British Transport Police reported that more than 80 people were treated in hospital on Friday night, with 28 still hospitalized as of Saturday morning. The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) confirmed that 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 32 were seriously hurt, and 57 had minor injuries. The driver of the Corby train was killed.
Speaking at a press conference near the scene on Saturday, British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “There will be a lot of questions as to what exactly happened on (Friday) night. I would like to reassure everyone that specialist investigators from British Transport Police are working with colleagues at the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to gather the facts and determine what has happened. They are extremely experienced and I would ask that we all refrain from speculation.”
Investigation Underway
RAIB inspectors have been gathering evidence at the site since the crash. The agency posted on X: “RAIB will conduct a full, independent safety investigation into this tragic accident. We will provide a further update in the coming days once we know more.”
The collision left the front of the 4.40pm Corby service crushed into the rear of the 3.50pm Nottingham train. The Corby train also sustained damage to the rear carriages, which were shunted forward. Network Rail staff and British Transport Police officers remained at the scene on Saturday.
Passenger Accounts
Passenger Pete Knapp, 40, described the scene: “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.” He reported seeing people with life-threatening and major injuries, as well as minor injuries.
Another passenger, Brett Byatt, a teacher from Bedford, told the BBC he was among three or four people in his carriage who were not injured. “Everyone else had either a serious wound that was bleeding profusely, or a situation where they couldn’t stand, or couldn’t move their neck, or I saw a woman’s snapped leg,” he said. Byatt expressed anger, questioning why the train was not warned about the obstruction ahead, given the age of the railway network and frequent signal failures.
Official Reactions
Buckingham Palace said the King was “greatly saddened” by the crash, with his “thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured of affected by such a tragic incident.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X that he had spoken with the chief executive of EEAS, expressing gratitude to air ambulance crews, emergency services, and NHS staff.
Ampthill Road remained closed between the Interchange Retail Park roundabout and Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick throughout Saturday. Network Rail said part of the East Midlands route remained closed as emergency response continued and teams assessed damage to trains and infrastructure. The company advised passengers to check with their train operator for the latest travel information and said it would provide updates when recovery work and service reopening timelines are clearer.
