One dead and dozens injured after two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford
A collision between two East Midlands Railway services near Bedford has killed one person and left 55 seriously injured, prompting a major incident response.
British Transport Police declared a major incident after two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford at about 17:15 GMT on Friday. The crash involved the 16:40 service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 service from Nottingham to London St Pancras. Emergency crews reported one fatality at the scene and 55 people with serious injuries – 11 classified as very serious, 22 as serious, and 56 with minor injuries.
The East of England Ambulance Service activated its emergency response plan, dispatching more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams and six air ambulances. All patients with the most serious injuries were taken to hospital, while those with minor injuries were treated on site or transferred as needed.
"First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who are seriously injured. I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident," Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on social media.
"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," Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said.
Witnesses described a loud bang and chaotic conditions inside the carriages, with some doors jammed and passengers left in shock. Transport operators confirmed that all Thameslink services between Luton and Bedford and East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras were suspended for the remainder of the day, advising travelers to seek alternative routes.
Health Secretary James Murray said he was being kept updated on the situation and thanked first responders for their efforts.
