East Midlands Railway services resume today between Bedford and Luton after fatal rail collision
Network Rail undertook a “complex” recovery operation to get the line reopened
Train services are running again between Bedford and Luton from today, following the fatal rail East Midlands Railway collision.
The driver of a train involved, Shaun Buton, was killed in the incident on Friday 19 June.
Emergency services were called at around 5.15pm to help around 100 passengers who were injured during the collision.
Network Rail then undertook a “complex” recovery operation to help get the line reopened, which involved removing the overhead line equipment, constructing a temporary access road and concrete foundation, and then using two 110-tonne rail-mounted cranes to lift the trains and carriages from the site.
Engineers then carried out a full inspection and repair of the track, signalling and overhead line equipment before completing all final safety checks.
Mark Budden, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, praised the team's efforts, stating, “Our engineers have shown professionalism, skill, and dedication in completing the work swiftly.”
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Service updates
From today, the East Midlands Railway will operate a full timetable on their Intercity route, although some journeys may experience short-notice changes or cancellations.
Greater Thameslink Railway services will also resume, with extra staff at key stations to assist passengers.
Previous passengers can use existing tickets to travel any day up to 30th June or opt for a full refund without additional fees.
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: “As we begin to reopen the railway following last week’s tragic incident, we do so with profound sadness for Shaun Burton, his loved ones, and all those affected. They remain firmly in our thoughts.
“I would like to thank staff at EMR, our colleagues at Network Rail and across the wider industry for their exceptional dedication in very challenging circumstances.
"We recognise the disruption of the past week has had a significant impact on our customers and are grateful for the patience, understanding and compassion they have shown to our staff.”
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer for GTR, which operates Thameslink, said: "The completion of the recovery work at Bedford is the result of a truly remarkable effort by Network Rail engineers and colleagues from across the industry, who have worked tirelessly and at extraordinary pace in very difficult circumstances. Our thoughts continue to be with Shaun Burton's family, friends and colleagues, and with all those still recovering from the incident.
"The disruption of the past week will have had a real impact on our customers and I want to thank them sincerely for the patience and understanding they have shown. We are looking forward to welcoming them back on to the Thameslink route from Monday 29 June”.