A train driver was killed and dozens of others were seriously injured when two passenger trains collided near Bedford. The incident involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one smashing into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.
Casualties and Response
The East of England Ambulance Service reported that a train driver was killed, 11 suffered very serious injuries, and 22 were seriously injured. All patients with the most serious injuries have been taken to hospital. A further 56 people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene or in hospital. Emergency vehicles lined Ampthill Road in Bedford as crews worked to assist the injured.
Details of the Crash
Most carriages of the two southbound trains remained on the tracks, but at least one derailed. The trains involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both heading to London St Pancras. Passenger Pete Knapp described the moment of impact: '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 added that he saw people with life-threatening injuries, broken legs, and others who could not speak.
Political Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as 'hugely concerning' and expressed gratitude to emergency services for their swift response. Air ambulance helicopters landed near the scene, south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and A6. Members of the public were asked to avoid the area, and Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital requested that people only attend emergency departments for genuine medical emergencies.
Investigation and Aftermath
EMR trains to and from London were suspended for the rest of the day. Online trackers indicate the rolling stock involved were a class 360 and class 810, with the front of the former hitting the rear of the latter. The class 810s were introduced in December 2024, while class 360s are at least 20 years old. Network Rail stated it was supporting emergency services and offered thoughts to everyone involved.
Union Statements
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT, confirmed the deceased was a train driver and former union representative. He said: 'We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died... The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the Aslef trade union.' Dave Calfe of Aslef added: 'Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died... and with the passengers who were injured.'
A team from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch arrived to gather evidence. This crash follows a fatal collision between two trains in mid-Wales in October 2024, which was Britain's first multiple-train fatal crash in over 25 years.
