Northamptonshire woman injured in Bedford train crash fears travelling by rail again as she calls for safety improvements
A Northamptonshire woman injured in a train crash that killed a driver and left around 160 passengers injured says she does not know when she will feel able to travel by rail again.
Melanie Ross, aged 60, from Finedon, suffered a broken leg, severe bruising and swelling when two East Midlands Railway trains collided at Elstow, near Bedford, on June 19.
The retired solicitor, who was travelling from Corby to London St Pancras, is calling for improvements to railway safety as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Driver Shaun Burton, aged 60, died in the collision, while several passengers suffered serious injuries.
Melanie, who continues to experience pain and undergo physiotherapy and trauma therapy, described the terrifying moments when her train struck another service.
She said: “There was no indication on board that anything was about to go wrong, or had gone wrong, until out of nowhere there was a loud bang and the train came to an immediate halt.
“I thought it had been a bomb and that we needed to get off immediately.”
Melanie suffered crush injuries when the impact shifted seating inside her carriage.
She added: “It was complete carnage and the train looked like it had imploded, with seats and large suitcases over the place which had to be clambered over to treat people and to get them out.”
Melanie called 999 and was subsequently helped from the train before receiving hospital treatment.
Although she previously travelled to London once or twice weekly, she has not boarded a train since.
An interim Rail Accident Investigation Branch report revealed the first train stopped unexpectedly following an automatic emergency brake application.
The following train passed a red signal and accelerated to 76mph before emergency braking was applied. It struck the stationary train at 50mph.
Melanie has contacted her MP and hopes to join a local rail users' group to raise concerns.
She said: “It’s clear there is much needed investment, our railways don’t appear fit for purpose, but whether that will happen only time will tell.”
Hudgell Solicitors, representing Melanie and other injured passengers, is seeking compensation from East Midlands Railway and Network Rail.
Solicitor Paul McClorry said interim payments had been requested to help cover losses, treatment and ongoing rehabilitation.
Melanie said she considers herself fortunate to have escaped more serious injuries.