Train from Northamptonshire station involved in collision with another train
A train from a Northamptonshire station has been involved in a collision with another train – British Transport Police have confirmed one person has died and East of England Ambulance Service says 89 people have been injured.
The two East Midlands Railway services involved were the 4.40pm from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras.
British Transport Police have confirmed on person has died and a number of people have been injured.
East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed 11 people have very serious injuries, 22 people are seriously injured and 56 people have minor injuries.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said: “We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died.
“A major incident has been declared, and 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.
“The collision involved two East Midlands Railway trains.
“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.”
Network Rail said the train crash near Bedford would cause disruption for the rest of Friday. A spokesperson said: “A major incident has been declared following a collision between two East Midlands Railway trains between Luton and Bedford. “We are supporting the efforts of emergency services on scene and are thoughts are with everyone involved. “There is currently no Thameslink service between Luton and Bedford, and East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras are suspended for the remainder of the day. “Customers are advised not to travel on these routes and seek alternative travel arrangements.”
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 .”
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers said ‘serious injuries’ had been sustained - but no official information has yet been released.
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.”
An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said: “The 16:40 EMR train from Corby to London St Pancras has been involved in a collision with 15:50 Nottingham at London St Pancras at Bedford South.
“We are currently on the scene and working with Network Rail to assist the emergency services.
“Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is established.”
Eyewitnesses say multiple air ambulances are also on the scene, while all lines through the area have been stopped.
EEAST confirmed it has sent “a number of resources, including air ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team” to the major incident. Social media reports estimate more than 30 emergency vehicles attended.
Bedfordshire Police and Fire and Rescue are asking people to avoid the area.
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.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has confirmed a team of inspectors is already on site to start gathering evidence.
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.
An RMT 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’.
Bedfordshire Police added: “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.”
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 advice:
A rail replacement bus service will run between Kettering, Wellingborough and Bedford.
A rail replacement bus service will run between Luton and Bedford.
National Rail is currently looking to source a replacement bus to run between Corby and Kettering in both directions. We will confirm this as soon as we have confirmation.
There is currently no Thameslink service between Luton and Bedford. If you're planning a journey in this area, it is strongly advised that you delay your journey until later today.
Services between Luton and London will be significantly disrupted. You will need to travel on a different train to normal, and you may have to change trains at an intermediate station to complete your journey.
If you do travel now, you should leave at least 60 minutes extra to complete your journey.
Your ticket will be accepted on the below, at no additional cost:
Alternative Thameslink services towards your destination
London Northwestern Railway services between London Euston and St Albans Abbey, between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central, and between Bletchley and Bedford
London Underground services between London Terminals
If you're waiting on a train which is delayed between stations remain where you are and listen to announcements, or speak to staff for further information. Staff will get you moving as soon as possible. Our team are aware of your location, and teams will be doing everything they can to help you continue your journey.
Please don't leave the train unless you are asked to do so. Other trains may still be moving in the area, and the track is also a very hazardous environment.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. An earlier version said it was a head-on collision, this was incorrect.