King "greatly saddened" as Network Rail pay tribute to driver who died in train crash near Bedford
A number of people were also injured.
The King is “greatly saddened” by the rail crash near Bedford on Friday evening and is being kept regularly updated on developments.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said “his thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident”.
A statement was also issued by Network Rail as they confirmed a train driver died in the crash near Bedford.
33 other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, British Transport Police said.
The crash involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, when one smashed into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.
Network Rail stated:
“We’re deeply saddened that a railway colleague has tragically died following the incident near Bedford.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues, and with everyone affected.
“Our teams are on site working closely with the emergency services and industry partners. We want to thank the emergency services and the wider railway family for their professionalism and swift response.
“In the meantime, we ask passengers to please check before they travel.”
The two trains involved were operating the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both to London St Pancras.
Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital both asked people not to attend their emergency departments “unless they have a genuine medical emergency”.
EMR trains between Bedford and London St Pancras have been suspended until at least Monday.
A team of Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors went to the site to gather evidence.
Police and a Rail Investigation Branch van remained at the scene on Saturday, and Ampthill Road was closed from the Interchange Retail Park roundabout to Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick.
That was Britain’s first fatal crash involving multiple trains for more than a quarter of a century.