A train driver was killed and dozens of people sustained serious injuries when two passenger trains collided near Bedford on Friday evening. The incident involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one train striking the rear of another on the same line shortly after 5pm.
Details of the Collision
British Transport Police confirmed that a train driver died and 33 individuals were taken to hospital with serious injuries. An additional 56 people suffered minor injuries. The majority of carriages from both southbound trains remained on the tracks, though at least one derailed. The trains involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both heading to London St Pancras.
Passenger Accounts
Passenger Pete Knapp, 40, described being "flung into the chair in front" and seeing smoke. He said people were "crying, screaming" and many had broken legs. He managed to escape through a gap in the doors, encountering individuals with "life-threatening, major injuries" and others with minor injuries. He noted blood on his trousers but said he was otherwise okay.
Emergency Response
A massive emergency response was deployed, including multiple air ambulance helicopters and road vehicles. The public were urged to stay away from the scene. Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital asked people to avoid emergency departments unless they had a genuine medical emergency.
Official Reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as "hugely concerning" and thanked emergency services. Buckingham Palace said the King was "greatly saddened" and his thoughts were with the deceased's family and those affected. Network Rail stated its "absolute priority" was ensuring everyone received necessary care and support.
Impact on Rail Services
EMR services between Bedford and London St Pancras have been halted until at least Monday. The rolling stock involved were a class 360 and class 810, with the front of the former striking the rear of the latter. EMR began introducing class 810s in December last year, while class 360s are at least 20 years old.
Union Statements
Eddie Dempsey of the RMT union expressed devastation that a train driver and former RMT rep had died, offering condolences to their family, friends, and the Aslef union. Dave Calfe of Aslef thanked emergency services and extended thoughts to the driver's family and injured passengers.
Investigation
A team from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch travelled to the scene to collect evidence. The incident follows a fatal crash in mid-Wales in October 2024, which was Britain's first fatal multiple-train collision in over 25 years.
