Bedford train collision: Everything we know about the crash that killed a driver and injured 89
In a train crash in Bedfordshire, one person died and dozens were injured when two services collided during rush hour.
The fatal incident occurred when the cruise ship, which left Corby at 4.40pm on Friday, rear-ended the one leaving Nottingham at 3.50pm. Both services were to London St Pancras.
King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer offered their condolences following the murder of a train driver, while nine more people were reported to be in a critical condition on Saturday.
Here’s everything we know so far about the Bedford train crash:
How did the train accident happen?
The accident, involving two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, occurred at around 5pm on Friday when one crashed into the back of the other on the same line near Bedford.
British Transport Police said one train driver died and 33 people were taken to hospital with serious injuries. 56 more people were slightly injured.
The two trains involved were the 4.40pm from Corby and the 3.50pm from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
Most of the cars of the two southbound trains remained on the tracks, but at least one derailed.
There was a major emergency response to the crash, which happened just south of the Elstow junction between the A421 and the A6. It included numerous air ambulance helicopters and road vehicles.
EMR trains between Bedford and London St Pancras have been suspended until at least Monday.
Online train trackers indicate that the rolling stock involved in the accident were class 360 and class 810.
What caused the accident?
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and East Midlands Railway (EMR) are investigating the cause of the incident but no official statement has yet been issued.
Simon Calder, transport expert and The Independent’s The former travel reporter said the trains crashed due to technical faults on the railway lines.
He said the lead train, which was heading late towards south London, came to a halt “due to a problem with the automatic warning system that alerts train drivers if there is a red signal ahead”. Sky News.
While the driver was traveling to resolve this issue he was on the same southern line from Corby at 4.40pm and collided with the stationary train.
“The pictures we’ve seen are shocking, it’s really worrying that the train hit so hard it derailed,” Mr Calder added.
“Of course railways are generally extremely safe… but if you are involved in an accident when you were previously driving fast and you stop suddenly it will, I regret to say, lead to some serious injuries.”
What was the reaction?
King Charles said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and was kept regularly informed of developments.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “His thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and everyone injured or affected by such a tragic event.”
Commenting on X, Sir Keir Starmer added: “Reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford are extremely worrying.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly lost his life and those who were seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their rapid response to this tragic incident,” he said.
Other ministers and local politicians expressed their condolences to those affected by the accident and said that the accident was “very worrying”.
Secretary of State for Transportation Heidi Alexander made a statement immediately after the accident.
“I am deeply concerned when I hear reports of a collision involving two East Midlands Railway passenger trains,” he said.
“I am grateful to the emergency services who were at the scene and treated those affected.
“We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers.”
