One person dead and nearly 90 people injured in train crash near Bedford
Emergency services are on the scene of a "major incident" in Bedfordshire
Last updated 5 hours ago
One person has died and dozens of others are injured after two trains collided near Bedford earlier today.
British Transport Police tell us a major incident has been declared following the crash at around 5.15pm on Friday 19th June.
WATCH: Our reporter is at the scene near Bedford this evening:
The East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed 11 people suffered "very serious injuries" and 22 others were seriously injured in the crash, while a further 56 sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene or taken to hospital.
The ambulance service said: “We quickly declared a major incident and put our emergency response plans into action.
“We sent a large number of resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist hazardous area response teams, and six air ambulances.”
They added: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response.”
Emergency services remain on the scene including Bedfordshire Police, local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing. We're working at pace to establish exactly what's happened and will provide further information as soon as we are able to.
“Officers from British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police are on scene with colleagues from the local authority to assist any members of the public concerned about loved ones.”
We've been speaking to passengers at the scene this evening who've been describing what happened.
WATCH: Peter Knapp was on one of the trains involved in the crash:
Another passenger at the scene has told us: "There are some walking wounded, some quite serious.
"But people were brilliant and jumping into action, looking around seeing who needed help and making sure they got help.
"Some people were bleeding and people were helping stemming the flow with whatever they could find."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said his thoughts are with the family of the person who died in the train collision as well as the people who were injured.
In a statement on X, Sir Keir said: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
In a post on X the Health Secretary also thanked first responders currently on the scene and said he was being kept updated on the situation.
Images shared online of the aftermath appear to show two damaged East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains that are still on the tracks.
At least one is a Luton Airport Express train and passengers could be seen gathering by the neighbouring fields.
People who were on the train at the time of the crash are being helped on to buses at the scene.
The crash happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6 and British Transport Police have asked relatives and friends of passengers not to travel to the scene.
Nicky Smith and Karen Fox were onboard one of the trains and have been telling us what happened: "Just like impact coming at the back of us, then just screaming.
"I fell to the floor, you fell, and just got up covered in blood."
Justin Rivett was also on one of the trains, he's been speaking to us at the scene: "Nobody knew what had happened for quite a long time.
"Then we were told to get off the train, so everybody got off, but I think there were a lot of people badly injured.
"The driver of my train was knocked unconscious, when I left he was conscious but lying on the ground."
Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital have both asked to avoid attending their emergency departments “unless they have a genuine medical emergency”.
Both hospitals said in separate X posts: “Our hospitals are currently supporting the active incident in relation to the recent train crash in Bedford.
“We ask the public to avoid attending our Emergency Departments unless they have a genuine medical emergency. Please use NHS services appropriately.”
EMR trains are “unable to run in or out of” London St Pancras for the rest of the day, the service reported.
It added: “Customers are advised DO NOT TRAVEL this evening”.
Network Rail said the train crash would cause disruption for the rest of Friday.
The fire and rescue service said: “Crews are currently in attendance at an incident on the railway just south of Bedford.
“Please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation.”
The Transport Secretary said she was “deeply saddened” by the news one person had been killed in the train crash.
In a post on X, Heidi Alexander said: “Deeply saddened to hear one person has died and a number of people injured in the awful train collision near Bedford.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones and everyone affected. Emergency services remain on scene.”
She added: “Police have declared a major incident and Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors are on site. A full investigation will take place.”
Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said he was “very sorry” to hear of the incident and would share more information “soon”.
In a post on his Facebook page, he said: “I’m very sorry to hear there has been a train collision between Bedford and Luton. Emergency services are at the scene.
“I will try to share more details soon.”
Transport Salaried Staffs Association general secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust, said it is “devastating to hear of the collision” and “safety on our railways is always our number one priority”.
She added: “It’s vital now to let the emergency services do their work.
“The thoughts of the entire union are with the passengers and staff and emergency service workers on the trains involved. We send them all our solidarity.”
The train crash near Bedford is “clearly a distressing situation for many people across our community”, the town’s mayor has said.
Tom Wootton said in a post on Facebook: “I am deeply concerned by reports of the train collision near Bedford this evening.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with everyone involved, particularly those who have been injured, their families and loved ones. I would also like to thank the emergency services, NHS staff, railway personnel and all those responding to this incident for their swift and professional actions under very difficult circumstances.
“I am in contact with relevant agencies and receiving updates as the situation develops. Bedford Borough Council stands ready to provide whatever support may be required as emergency responders continue their work.
“This is clearly a distressing situation for many people across our community. At this stage, it is important that we allow the emergency services and railway authorities the space they need to deal with the incident and establish the full facts.
“Bedford is a strong community, and when difficult events occur, we come together to support one another. We will continue to work closely with our partners and will do all we can to assist those affected. I will share further information when it becomes available through the appropriate official channels.”
In a statement, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I’m shocked and concerned to hear that two East Midlands Railway Trains, one of which serves our region, have collided near Bedford this afternoon.
“My thoughts are with any impacted passengers and staff members aboard and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the emergency services for their fast response.
“The Department for Transport is working with our emergency services, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to ensure passengers and railway staff members are supported in the best way possible.
“Please avoid sharing unconfirmed reports until we hear officially from the emergency services or one of the agencies who run these services.”
A team of Rail Accident Investigation experts are on the scene collecting evidence as their investigation into what's happened tonight gets underway.