Emergency services are at the scene of an incident on the railway line just south of Bedford. All lines through the area have been stopped while emergency services assess the situation.
For the latest in this story, please head to our update. Read: One person dies and dozens injured after passenger trains collide near Bedford
British Transport Police confirm one person has died and “a number of people have been injured..”
Major incident declared
A spokesperson from British Transport Police said: “Officers are continuing to respond to a collision between two trains on the line in Bedford, following reports around 5.15pm today (19 June).
“We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died.
“A major incident has been declared, and officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services.
“The collision involved two East Midlands Railway trains.
“Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy added, “We’ve declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing.
“We’re working at pace to establish exactly what’s happened and will provide further information as soon as we are able to”.
“‘Officers from British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police are on scene with colleagues from the local authority to assist any members of the public concerned about loved ones.'”
Emergency response
The incident happened shortly after 5pm on Friday evening.
Emergency services, including specialist rail response teams, are at the scene.
At the time of publication, no official information had been released regarding injuries.
However, passengers at the scene have reported that some people may have been injured. These reports have not yet been confirmed by emergency services or rail operators.
Two trains involved
Videos shared on social media by passengers appear to show two East Midlands Railway trains involved in the incident.
Rail data reviewed by national media suggests the incident involved the 3.50pm East Midlands Railway service from Nottingham to London St Pancras and the 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras.
Train-tracking information indicates the incident occurred approximately 2½ miles south of Bedford station.
Neither Network Rail nor East Midlands Railway had officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident at the time of publication.
Eyewitness account
One passenger, Dr Pete Knapp, posted on social media that he was on board one of the trains involved.
He wrote: “Train heading south from Bedford crashed at 17:12. Front of train ok, third carriage off rails.
“I’m ok with bloody legs and back impact. Others are not good. Sudden crash, no slowing down or horns. No warning.
“No explosion, just stopped instantly.”
The Bedford Independent has not independently verified the account.
Calls to avoid speculation
Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford & Kempston (Labour), has issued a statement saying his thoughts are with everyone involved.
He also urged people not to speculate while emergency services respond and the circumstances surrounding the incident are established.
“I am very concerned by the early reports of an incident this evening just outside Bedford and Kempston, involving two Midland Mainline trains travelling towards London.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, their families, and all those who may be affected. I want to thank the emergency services and railway staff who are responding to the incident.
“At this stage, details are still emerging, and I would urge people not to speculate about what has happened. It is important that the emergency services are able to do their work and that the facts are properly established.”
Travel disruption
With all other trains halted, passengers on other trains have been stuck for several hours but have now been guided along the tracks toward Bedford.
Charly Codrington is with several passengers who have walked along the tracks toward BCA only to find access to leave the tracks blocked by locked gates.
He said the situation was “chaos”.
People are being asked to avoid the area while emergency services remain at the scene.
Rail passengers should check with their operator before travelling.
This is a breaking news story; further updates will be provided when more information is available.
