One person has died and several others were injured when two passenger trains collided near Bedford, according to police. The incident occurred shortly after 5pm on Friday, involving two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services. One train smashed into the back of the other on the same line.
Details of the crash
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that one person died and a number of people were injured. Most carriages of the southbound trains remained on the tracks, but at least one derailed. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union reported that passengers and crew sustained serious injuries.
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 and screaming, with some suffering major injuries. He managed to squeeze out through a gap in the doors. Dr Knapp noted life-threatening injuries, broken legs, and people with bandages. He had blood on his trousers but was otherwise unhurt.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the crash “hugely concerning” and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
