Train driver dead and 89 injured after two trains collide between Bedford and Luton

A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured after two trains collided between Bedford and Luton yesterday evening (19/06).

The incident happened on the Midland Main Line at around 5pm when two East Midlands Railway services heading to London were involved in a collision near Elstow just outside Bedford.

The driver of one of the trains has been confirmed to have died as a result of the incident, while 89 people have been reported by British Transport Police to have been injured. Of these, 33 were taken to hospital, with 11 being treated for serious injuries.

All trains between London St Pancras and Bedford were immediately suspended for the rest of the day yesterday. The section of the line was already planned to be closed today (20/06) and tomorrow (21/06) for engineering works, meaning it will remain shut until Monday (22/06) at the earliest.

East Midlands identified the two trains as the 16:40 service from Corby to London and the 15:50 from Nottingham to London.

Network Rail has confirmed that specialist teams will be dispatched to the site to investigate the cause of the collision and the extent of the damage to the trains and surrounding infrastructure. Staff from the Rail Accident Investigation Bureau have attended the scene to begin in the investigations.

In a statement, British Transport Police said, “We are being supported by colleagues from Bedfordshire Police, the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services. We are also receiving invaluable support from colleagues in the National Police Air Service, Network Rail, East Midlands Railway and the local authority.

“We know how concerning this incident will be and can assure people that officers will do everything we they can to establish.

“We are working with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway colleagues to keep disruption to a minimum as much as we possibly can, and we are grateful for people’s patience.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director for EMR said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that this incident has resulted in the fatality of an EMR Driver and a number of injuries to passengers on board. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of our colleague who has died, and with all those affected by this tragic event.

“We are currently on the scene and working closely with Network Rail and the emergency services to support those involved and assist with the ongoing response. Once those directly impacted have been helped, we will make every effort to ascertain the cause in cooperation with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

“Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.”

Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT union, added, “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.”

The government’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander said, “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the train driver who has tragically lost their life in yesterday’s collision near Bedford. This is a devastating loss and the whole rail family will be deeply saddened by the news.”

In a previous statement, Alexander also said, “Police have declared a major incident and Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors are on site. A full investigation will take place.”

Tom Wotton, the Mayor of Bedford, has also pledged the community’s support in the face of the incident.

He said on social media, “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.”