LONDON — One person was killed and 99 others were injured when two passenger trains collided near Bedford in eastern England on Friday evening, British emergency services reported.
The collision occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time during the evening rush hour on a single-track section of line between Bedford and Luton Airport Parkway stations. Both trains involved in the incident were operated by East Midlands Railway.
Emergency services responded with massive resources, deploying more than 20 ambulances, six air ambulances, and approximately 70 firefighters to the scene. Police, fire, and medical teams worked through the night to rescue survivors from the wreckage.
East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that 99 people were injured in total. Of those, 11 sustained “very serious” injuries requiring intensive care treatment, while 22 others were listed in serious condition. The remaining 66 injured passengers suffered minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, and minor head trauma.
The driver of one of the trains was killed in the collision, according to British Transport Police. He has been identified as a senior member of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.
“He was a well-respected and popular driver with many years of service,” said RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey in a statement. “He will be deeply missed by his colleagues.”
Investigators believe the rear train was traveling at speed when it struck the stationary train from behind. The leading train had stopped on the main line due to a signal warning, according to East Midlands Railway.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences on social media. “Tragic news from Bedford this evening,” he wrote. “My thoughts are with all those affected and their families.”
A major incident has been declared, and the line remains closed while investigators examine the scene. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an independent investigation into the cause of the collision.
VGMG