GB News was interrupted on Saturday morning with a tragic breaking news alert as a red banner flashed across the screen. Travel correspondent for The Telegraph, Simon Calder, shared that one person had died following a train crash in Bedford on Friday. The accident saw 89 people injured after two passenger trains collided near Bedford, with police declaring a major incident.
Simon Calder Delivers Devastating News
Simon shared that it was a "terrible tragedy" as he added that it was a train driver who died. "The two unions - the driver's union and the larger rail union - both issued statements to express their deep sorrow over the tragedy and to talk through the sequence of events," he said.
He continued to reassure the public, stating: "Normally, there would be a series of precautions to ensure that there is no possibility that two trains could be in such close proximity. They would normally be kept well apart by signalling and warning systems."
Union Statements and Investigation
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT union, said: "We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died as a result of today's crash between Luton and Bedford. The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the ASLEF trade union at this awful time."
The two East Midlands railway services involved were the 4.40pm from Corby to St Pancras and the 3.50pm from Nottingham to London St Pancras, the rail operator said.
Injuries and Government Response
The ambulance service reported that 89 people had been injured by the crash, including 11 who were very seriously injured, 22 seriously injured, and 56 with minor injuries.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander issued a statement to confirm that a "thorough investigation" would be conducted to establish how the collision happened and ensure that "lessons are learned."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said the reports of the collision were "hugely concerning," adding that his thoughts were with the family of the driver and with those who had been seriously injured.
