The rail crash in which a train driver died and 162 passengers were injured has been labelled “one of Bedford’s darkest days”.
But the rescue response to the incident at Elstow “brought out the best in public service”, a full meeting of Bedford Borough Council heard.
Of those injured in last month’s collision, 102 required hospital treatment, while 36 were still hospitalised at the start of this week.
During questions to his organisation, interim assistant chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Rob Hulatt told the meeting, “I’d like to express on behalf of the fire authority, and all those who responded to the train collision, our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life.
Read: Rail minister visits Bedford to thank first responders, rail staff and volunteers
“Our thoughts are also very much with those injured and otherwise affected by the incident,” he said. “The county fire and rescue service was called to a collision between two passenger trains near Kempston Hardwick.
“A major incident for all organisations in attendance was declared with a significant multi-agency response. I’ve attended many such responses, but this was the biggest one.
“There were more than 50 firefighters at its peak, with 70 overall, and fire officers supported by specialist resources and partner agencies.
“The crews focused on rescue, casualty care and evacuation. There was no fire situation.
“This remains a complex incident in terms of the next steps, and we continue to support our partners, including the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the British Transport Police, which is leading on this inquiry.
“A structured operational multi-agency assurance process has begun within the local resilience forums (LRF) and our own service.
“This is to ensure learning opportunities are identified and reviewed to strengthen any response in the future.
“I’d like to thank all emergency services, partners and volunteers, who responded with professionalism and compassion, a key word, in challenging circumstances.
“I’m also grateful to the local community for their support, patience and cooperation,” he added. “They played an important role in helping us as respondents to do our work effectively and safely.”
Read: Train driver killed in Bedford rail collision named as Shaun Burton
Having expressed his condolences to the family and colleagues of the train driver, Labour group leader and Cauldwell cllr Abu Sultan added, “On one of Bedford’s darkest days, we witnessed the very best of public service.
“When our community needed them most, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, British Transport Police, NHS staff, Network Rail personnel, borough council officers and many other partner agencies answered without hesitation.
“Working seamlessly together and under immense pressure, they showed extraordinary professionalism, courage, compassion and calmness to protect lives and support those affected, bringing order to an incredibly difficult and distressing situation.
“Incidents such as this remind us that resilience isn’t measured by the absence of tragedy, but by the courage and commitment of those who respond when tragedy strikes.
“The professionalism, coordination and selfless dedication shown by every organisation involved reflected a very high standard of public service and showed the strength of partnership across Bedfordshire.
“Their dedication makes Bedford Borough safer, their teamwork makes the borough stronger and their service makes our whole community proud.”
Liberal Democrat Goldington cllr Tim Caswell, who chairs the council, said at the start of the meeting, “I’d like to thank everyone within the council and its partners in the emergency services who responded to the incident.
“I understand the borough council has been commended for its exceptional part in the response.
“I know that everyone will join me in saying our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy, including the friends and family of Shaun Burton.”
By Euan Duncan
Local Democracy Reporter
