New images broadcast by ITV News have revealed the full extent of Friday’s fatal train collision south of Bedford, when one East Midlands Railway train collided with another.
The images, captured during a Matthew Hudson ITV News report from the scene, provide the clearest view yet of the damage caused when the 4.40pm East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras collided with the rear of the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras near Elstow shortly after 5pm on Friday, 19 June.
One train driver died in the collision, and 89 people were injured.
British Transport Police said yesterday (Saturday) that 28 people remained in hospital, including nine in a critical condition.
Human tragedy
The collision triggered a major emergency response involving police, ambulance, fire and rescue services, six air ambulances, railway staff and NHS teams.
The East of England Ambulance Service said one person died at the scene. Eleven people suffered very serious injuries, a further 22 sustained serious injuries, and 56 suffered minor injuries.
Passengers described scenes of confusion and distress in the immediate aftermath.
Witnesses spoke of a sudden impact, injured passengers and emergency crews working to evacuate people from the damaged trains.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch, British Transport Police and rail industry investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the collision.
No cause has yet been confirmed.
Read: Nine in critical condition after fatal Bedford train collision
Community response
Alongside the tragedy, stories of kindness and community spirit have emerged from across Bedford Borough.
Emergency services, hospital staff, railway workers, volunteers, local businesses and residents have all been praised for their response.
Read: Emergency services, volunteers and businesses praised after Bedford rail collision
Passengers stranded on trains nearby described residents bringing water, soft drinks and snacks to those unable to leave for several hours.
Taxi firms and local businesses also stepped forward to support hospital workers and emergency responders involved in the incident.
In a statement issued late last night (Saturday), Bedford Borough Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) said he had been following developments “with a heavy heart”.
“The news that an East Midlands Railway driver has lost his life is deeply saddening, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this unimaginably difficult time,” he said.
The Mayor also paid tribute to emergency services, NHS staff and railway workers, while thanking local businesses and organisations that had offered practical support.
“Whether through practical assistance, refreshments for those responding to the incident, or simply showing kindness and compassion, your actions demonstrate the strength of our community and what it means to look after one another,” he said.
Mr Wootton added that Bedford Borough Council remained ready to provide any support required as the response continues.
“This is a profoundly sad day for the railway community and for many across Bedford Borough,” he said.
“Yet, in difficult moments such as these, our community always comes together. We support one another, we show kindness, and we stand alongside those who need us most.”
Investigation continues
Investigators remain at the scene as work continues to establish exactly what happened.
Network Rail has warned that recovery operations are expected to be complex, with significant disruption to rail services through Bedford continuing.
British Transport Police has urged people not to speculate about the cause of the collision while investigators gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
