Some of those injured in train crash near Bedford still in critical condition
The train driver was killed and many other people were injured when an East Midlands Railway train collided into the back of another on the same line on Friday.
A number of the passengers injured in a train crash near Bedford are still in a critical condition, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has said.
The train driver was killed and many other people were injured when an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train collided into the back of another on the same line on Friday.
Ms Alexander gave an update in the House of Commons on Monday.
She said: “According to the latest information I have from the BTP (British Transport Police), at least 33 people were taken to hospital, with a third of those in a serious condition.
“At least 56 other people were treated for injuries, and a number of the injured remain in a critical condition today.
“We are thinking of all of them and their families.”
Ms Alexander also asked for patience while an investigation into the crash takes place.
She said the Rail Accident Investigation Branch was looking into what happened and there would be an update “in the coming days”.
She told MPs: “While I completely understand the strength of feeling out there, while I hear the clamour for answers, for the need to understand the cause of this tragedy, I must ask everyone for some patience, as hard as I know that will be.
“I am determined we get all the answers we’re looking for, and that lessons are learned.
“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch, whose inspectors were on the scene within hours, have already launched an independent investigation, and they have confirmed there will be an update in the coming days.
“They, and they alone, will identify the cause and will make recommendations, which I will consider with the utmost care and due diligence.
“Meanwhile, I urge everyone to await their findings and to hold off on speculation.”