Two London-bound trains collided on the line between Bedford and Luton, resulting in multiple injuries and major disruption to services. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with around 30 ambulances and several air ambulances dispatched.
Collision Details
The incident occurred at 17:12 on a southbound train from Bedford. Eyewitness Peter Knapp, who was in the front carriage, described the crash as sudden with no warning. He reported seeing bloodied faces, broken legs, and smoke everywhere. He told the BBC: "I felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion."
Emergency Response
British Transport Police confirmed they were responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area. The East of England Ambulance Service sent multiple resources, including an air ambulance and a Hazardous Area Response Team. All lines between St Pancras and Bedford were closed.
Disruption and Advice
Thameslink announced that trains would not run in or out of St Pancras for the rest of the evening. Passengers were advised to use alternative routes and delay journeys if possible. Disruption was expected to last until the end of the day.
Official Reactions
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern and thanked emergency services. The RMT, Aslef, and Transport Salaried Staffs Association unions also expressed concern and solidarity with those affected.
