One person killed and 89 injured in train crash between Bedford and Luton

One person - a train driver - has died at the scene in a collision between two trains near Bedford, while 89 others were injured.

East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust added that 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries.

It sent more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams, and six air ambulances.

The collision happened at around 5.12pm, with a major incident declared shortly afterwards.

Eddie Dempsey general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), said: “We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died as a result of today’s crash between Luton and Bedford. The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the ASLEF trade union at this awful time.”

A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: “...officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from British Transport Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue, and the East of England Ambulance Service.

“We are asking the public to please stay away from the scene to help reduce pressure on our emergency services. We understand that people will be concerned about loved ones however please stay at home and do not travel to the scene of the incident.

“We're in the process of setting up a dedicated phone line for relatives and we will update as soon as this is live. The incident is being led by British Transport Police and we would ask that you keep following BTP on X for any breaking news updates.”

British Transport Police 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.”

The collision happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6, involving the 16:40 EMR train from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 Nottingham at London St Pancras at Bedford South.

Bedfordshire Hospitals Trust has asked people to avoid A&E where possible as it responds to the incident.

It said in a statement: “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. Further updates will be provided when it is appropriate to do so .”

Bedfordshire Police and Fire and Rescue are asking people to avoid the area. A spokesperson said: “We understand that people are concerned about relatives or friends who may have been travelling on the trains involved in the incident near Bedford. We're asking people not to travel to the scene and await further updates from emergency services.”

Posting on BlueSky Dr Pete Knapp , who was in the front carriage of one of the trains, explained: “Train heading south from Bedford crashed at 17:12. Front of train ok, third carriage off rails. I’m ok with bloody legs and back impact. Others are not good. Sudden crash, no slowing down or horns. No warning. No explosion, just stopped instantly.”

He told the BBC that passengers had “bloody faces” and what looked like broken limbs. “...it felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion,” he said. “There was smoke everywhere.”

And he said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.

“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”

He said he had not felt the train slow down before the crash but other passengers told him they had.

Aerial footage shows most carriages on the tracks but at least one shunted off, while a long line of emergency vehicles are on a rural road as emergency crews and passengers of the two southbound trains gathered in a neighbouring field.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has confirmed a team of inspectors is already on site to start gathering evidence.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray posted on X: “I am being kept updated on the collision of two trains between Luton and Bedford. A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders who are helping those affected.”

NNC Corby councillor Mark Pengelly was on a train stuck at Bedford - but his train was not involved in the incident.

He said a firefighter travelling on his train had been sent to the major incident.

“The doors are locked and we can’t use toilet because it’s electric but obviously these things don’t matter given what’s happened.

“We’ve been told we can’t leave the train and it’s very hot but everyone is helping one another and hoping that those on the affected trains are ok.”

He added that his thoughts were with everyone involved.

A National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of a train collision between Bedford and Luton and the serious injuries sustained by on-board train staff and passengers. The thoughts of the whole union are with those affected and we continue to monitor the situation.”

ASLEF - the UK Train Drivers’ Union added: “We are deeply concerned by reports of the collision of two trains near Bedford. Our thoughts at this time are with all staff and passengers on board. Thank you to the emergency services for their ongoing work responding to the incident.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP said in a statement on X: “I’m deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving 2 East Midlands Railway passenger trains.

“I’m grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected.

“We’re working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers.”

National Rail is advising people not to travel, as trains are unable to run in or out of London St Pancras and disruption is expected to continue ‘for the remainder of this evening’.

Charity the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) deployed 14 volunteers from its Biggleswade team to the scene to provide welfare support for the emergency service.

Darryl Lewis, RRT Local Team Leader, Biggleswade, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are very much with those who have been injured, and with their families and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. This is a very serious incident and we have the utmost respect for the emergency services who are working tirelessly through the aftermath.

“We are privileged to stand alongside the crews on the ground and it is the very least we can do to ensure that those working so hard to help others are looked after themselves. Our 14 volunteers are on location and ready to serve, and we will remain there for as long as we are needed.”

Bedford mayor Tom Wootton said: “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.”

Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin visited Bedford Hospital and Bedford Station.

He said in a statement: “I want to recognise the dedication, professionalism and genuine compassion shown by everyone involved, including teams from Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the East of England Ambulance Service, Bedford Borough Council, Network Rail, railway staff and NHS colleagues, who are working tirelessly under extremely difficult circumstances to care for passengers and support those affected.

“I would urge people not to speculate while the relevant authorities carry out their work and establish the facts of the accident.”

North Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller said: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the person who has lost their life. My thoughts are also with those that have been injured.

“I would like to again thank all of the emergency services and our local hospitals for their hard work in responding to this incident and to the GTR and Network Rail staff at Bedford Station who have been working to clear the backlog, advise passengers and assist the many concerned relatives of those on the trains.

“I also thank those residents who provided food and water to the passengers stranded in fields.

“This is a serious incident on one of the country's busiest lines and while I have spoken to the Transport Secretary, I expect she will come to the House of Commons on Monday to further update us on the incident and the investigation by British Transport Police.

“Please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel updates and please avoid attending Bedford and Luton Emergency Departments unless you have a genuine medical emergency.”

Mid Beds MP Blake Stephenson said: “This is devastating news, and my thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends and loved ones of the person who has lost their life I would like to again thank all of the emergency services and our local hospitals for their hard work in responding to this incident and treating casualties.”

“This evening (Friday) I have spoken to Bedfordshire’s Chief Constable, Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, and the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy. Everyone is pulling together and working hard in response to this major incident.”

This is a breaking story and will be updated as more information is available.

If you have been impacted, you can contact the newsroom at [email protected]

Travel on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21

Due to pre-planned engineering work, all lines are closed between Bedford and London St Pancras this weekend. Trains that usually start and terminate at London St Pancras will start and terminate at Bedford instead. EMR will be operating a planned, amended timetable as a result.

Further details about these engineering works, including the amended timetable and bus details, are available here.

Due to the collision on Friday, there may be short-notice alterations to the engineering timetable. Check your journey before travelling: www.nationalrail.co.uk .

Some trains may have fewer carriages than usual; details available here.