One person has died, and dozens more have been injured after two passenger trains collided south of Bedford this evening (Friday).
Emergency services declared a major incident after the collision, which happened shortly after 5pm near Elstow.
What we know so far
- Two East Midlands Railway passenger trains collided south of Bedford, near Elstow, shortly after 5pm on Friday, 19 June.
- One person, a driver, has died.
- East of England Ambulance Service said 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and 56 sustained minor injuries.
- The trains involved were the 4.40pm Corby to London St Pancras service and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras service.
- A major incident was declared, with ambulance, fire, police, air ambulance, hospital and railway teams involved in the response.
- The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is on site and gathering evidence.
- The cause of the collision has not yet been confirmed.
- Investigators, British Transport Police and rail industry bodies are working to establish exactly what happened.
- People are being urged not to speculate or share unconfirmed information while the investigation continues.
- Bedford is a large town and borough, but many local people will know someone affected by the collision, whether as passengers, relatives, rail staff, emergency responders, or hospital teams.
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) said a train driver died at the scene.
A further 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and 56 sustained minor injuries.
The incident involved two East Midlands Railway services travelling towards London.
Major response
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 5.15pm.
The EEAS immediately declared a major incident and sent more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams and six air ambulances.
In a statement, the ambulance service said all patients with the most serious injuries had been taken from the scene to the hospital.
It added, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response.”
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed officers will remain at the scene overnight alongside Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and ambulance crews.
Deputy chief constable Stuart Cundy from BTP said: “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.”
Witness accounts
Passengers described scenes of confusion and distress in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
Peter Knapp, who was travelling on one of the trains, told the BBC, “I felt like I’d been in a bomb explosion.”
He described seeing people with bloodied faces, apparent leg injuries and smoke inside the train.
Other passengers reported people being thrown from their seats by the force of the impact.
With rail services halted, some passengers from trains stranded nearby spent several hours waiting before being escorted away along the tracks.
Charly Codrington, who was among the passengers walking towards Bedford, told the Bedford Independent the situation had been “chaos”.
Trains involved
East Midlands Railway confirmed the collision involved the 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
The collision happened south of Bedford station near Elstow.
Aerial images from the scene showed significant damage to both trains, with at least one carriage appearing to have left the tracks.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch attended the scene and has begun gathering evidence.
A spokesperson said a team of inspectors was on site to establish exactly what happened.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said both Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital were supporting the response to the incident.
Earlier this evening, the trust urged members of the public not to attend emergency departments unless they had a genuine medical emergency.
A spokesperson said: “Our hospitals are currently supporting the active incident in relation to the recent train crash in Bedford.”
Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was receiving updates on the situation.
He said: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply saddened” by the fatality and injuries.
She said: “Our thoughts are with their loved ones and everyone affected. Emergency services remain on scene.
“Police have declared a major incident and Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors are on site. A full investigation will take place.”
Earlier this evening, Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston (Labour), said he was “very concerned” by reports of the incident and urged people not to speculate while the facts were established.
He later added, “I am deeply saddened to hear that one person has sadly lost their life following this afternoon’s train incident just outside Bedford.
“My thoughts are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“This evening, I visited both Bedford Hospital and Bedford station, where I saw first-hand the remarkable response from staff and emergency responders.
“I want to recognise the dedication, professionalism and genuine compassion shown by everyone involved.”
He also reminded people not to inadvertently cause distress to those affected by the tragedy by sharing unconfirmed rumours.
“I would urge people not to speculate while the relevant authorities carry out their work and establish the facts of the accident.”
Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson (Conservative) described news of the fatality as “devastating” and said his thoughts and condolences were with the family and loved ones of the person who had died.
He said he had spoken to Bedfordshire’s Chief Constable, Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire and Rescue Officer and Rail Minister Lord Hendy during the evening.
High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Ismail Anilmis has also shared his sadness upon hearing of the incident.
“As High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, I was deeply saddened to learn of the rail incident in Bedfordshire today,” he said.
Adding, “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the person who has tragically lost their life, and with all those who have been injured or otherwise affected by this incident.
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the emergency services, railway personnel and all partner agencies who responded so swiftly and professionally.
“In difficult and distressing circumstances, they have worked tirelessly to care for those involved and support their families. On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, I thank them for their dedication, professionalism and compassion.
“As someone who has had the privilege of meeting many of those who serve our county throughout my year as High Sheriff, I know the commitment, courage and professionalism they bring to their roles every day.
“Bedfordshire can be proud of the way its emergency services and partner agencies have responded today.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant, Susan Lousada, added, “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic train incident in Bedford earlier this evening.
“We send our heartfelt thanks to all responding and to those giving help to those involved.
Investigation
British Transport Police, Network Rail and rail industry investigators are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.
No cause has yet been confirmed.
Rail services between Bedford and London remain severely disrupted, with passengers advised to check before travelling.
