Bedford train crash victims still suffering four months on as passengers seek compensation
Passengers are still dealing with physical injuries and psychological trauma
Four months after the fatal Bedford train crash, passengers are still recovering from physical injuries and psychological trauma, with some now pursuing compensation for the lasting impact of the collision.
The crash happened at around 5.15pm, approximately 2.5 miles south of Bedford station, when the Corby to London St Pancras service struck the rear of a stationary Nottingham to London train.
Driver, Shaun Burton, died in the collision. A total of 162 people were injured, 102 required hospital treatment, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Mel Ross was heading into London to celebrate her husband’s birthday when the collision happened.
As a regular rail user, Mel said the journey had felt completely normal until a “sudden, enormous bang” brought the carriage to an almost immediate halt.
“I thought there’d been a bomb because it was so sudden, it had come from nowhere,” she said.
Mel broke her leg and suffered significant soft-tissue and bone bruising. She spent six to seven weeks in considerable physical pain, with the crash disrupting her life for much of the summer and requiring ongoing physiotherapy.
She is also receiving psychological support to help her process the experience.
“I can’t go on a train. I haven’t been on a train and, for someone who was up and down on the train multiple times weekly, I simply can’t go on a train at the moment,” she said.
Mel said she was still receiving physical treatment and remained unable to do some of the things she could before the crash.
Passengers are seeking compensation
Mel is among passengers seeking answers and exploring compensation as the impact of the collision continues.
Paul McClorry, Director of Personal Injury at Hudgell Solicitors, said the firm was assisting passengers with civil claims, including people who had suffered serious physical injuries and psychological trauma.
Mr McClorry said: “People need answers. People need to know how this happened and what were the root causes, so it doesn’t happen again.”
“A civil claim is not just about compensation. It's about first and foremost obtaining answers, holding the rail network to account and finding out what's happened here,” he added.
Mr McClorry said legal support was also helping passengers access physical and psychological rehabilitation while the investigation continued.
The RAIB has published two interim reports and is continuing its investigation into the collision, with its final report yet to be published.
An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said: “We recognise the serious and lasting impact this tragic incident has had on many people.
“Our focus remains on supporting those affected by the incident, while continuing to work with the relevant authorities and carefully considering any recommendations identified through the investigation process.
“We will do everything we can to act on the lessons of this incident and take all appropriate steps to prevent something similar from happening again.”