Bedford train crash latest: Driver killed and more than 80 injured after horror crash during rush hour

A passenger on the plane said he felt “angry” the morning after the crash.

Brett Byatt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yesterday was so beautiful, I was just shocked.

“This morning feels surreal and I think I’ve moved on to the anger stage now. I feel pretty angry.”

He added: “I don’t know who, specifically who, but it’s more about the fact that we have one of the oldest rail networks and signal failures are very common and now I’m just wondering… why wasn’t my train signaled and why did that train driver lose his life because of it?”

All East Midlands Rail lines will be closed on Saturday and Sunday due to pre-planned engineering works, the railway company said.

“If you are traveling today or tomorrow, please be aware that all lines between Bedford and London St Pancras are closed due to previously planned engineering works,” the statement said.

“Trains that would usually start and finish at London St Pancras will start and finish in Bedford instead. As a result, EMR will implement a planned, modified timetable.”

He added that there may be short-term changes in the engineering schedule due to Friday’s accident and advised passengers to check their journeys on the National Rail website.

Police remain near the scene of a deadly train crash near Bedford last night.

Ampthill Road is closed from the junction with Interchange Retail Park to Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick.

A British Transport Police officer was standing next to the road closure sign at the exit of the roundabout to direct drivers.

A Rail Accident Investigation Branch minibus and a Deutsche Bahn vehicle were allowed to proceed on the closed road.

Overnight East Midlands Railway issued a statement confirming the death of one of its drivers.

EMR general manager Will Rogers said the company was “deeply saddened to confirm that this incident resulted in the death of an EMR Driver and the injuries of several passengers on board.”

He added: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of our deceased colleague and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

The rail company is working with Network Rail and emergency services to help respond and support those affected.

He will now assist with the investigation carried out by the Rail Accidents Investigation Branch.

Locals brought snacks for dozens of people trapped behind two trains that crashed on Friday.

In the footage, passengers are seen walking on the closed railway line after leaving the stationary train.

He wrote of the passenger in X: “The thoughts of everyone involved in the Bedford train collision today are the same. I was at the back of the train and was trapped for hours.”

“A big thank you to my partner and neighbors who brought water and snacks to travelers when we stopped in front of my house. Humanity at its best.”

If you’re just waking up, here’s everything we know about the Bedford train crash on Saturday morning.

• There was a fatal collision on two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services on Friday, with one crashing into the back of the other shortly after 5pm on the same line near Bedford.
• A train driver died and dozens of people were seriously injured when two passenger trains collided near Bedford.
• The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed 11 people had “very serious” injuries, 22 had serious injuries and 56 had minor injuries.
• Air ambulance helicopters attended the scene following the collision, which occurred just south of the Elstow junction between the A421 and the A6.
• Currently, all patients in serious condition have been hospitalized. Another 56 people suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene or in hospital.
• The two trains involved were leaving Corby at 4.40pm and Nottingham for London St Pancras at 3.50pm.
• Passenger Pete Knapp, 40, said: “I was thrown into the front chair for a moment, then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were very scared and confused.”
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash was “extremely worrying” and he was “grateful to the emergency services for their rapid response to this tragic incident”.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed 11 people had “very serious” injuries, 22 had serious injuries and 56 had minor injuries.

A statement from the service said: “The East of England Ambulance Service was called to a collision involving two trains at Elstow, near Bedford, at around 5.15pm.

“We quickly declared a Major Incident and implemented our emergency response plans.

“We sent numerous resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, a specialist Hazardous Area Response Team and six air ambulances.

All patients in serious condition were taken to hospital from the scene.

“Unfortunately, 1 person died at the scene. 11 people were very seriously injured, 22 people were seriously injured, and 56 people were slightly injured. The slightly injured people were treated at the scene or taken to the necessary hospitals.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected and we thank all our emergency service colleagues for their rapid response.”