Bedford train crash leaves one dead and several injured as major incident declared

Emergency services are responding to a train crash between Luton and Bedford this evening, after two passenger trains collided on the London St Pancras line

One person has been confirmed dead after two trains collided this evening (Friday), with several more injured and a major incident confirmed. There has been a large emergency response following the incident between London St Pancras and Bedford, which involved two passenger trains.

Images of the aftermath appear to show two damaged East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains that are still on the tracks. At least one is a Luton Airport Express train and passengers could be seen gathering by the neighbouring fields.

The collision happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6.

Bedford hospital was expecting at least 50 casualties to arrive and had ordered “all hands on deck”, The Times is reporting. Appeals have been sent for staff to come in to assist with the response.

In a statement, British Transport Police said: “Officers are continuing to respond to a collision between two trains on the line in Bedford, following reports around 5.15pm today (19 June). 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 Bedfordshire Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services. The collision involved two East Midlands Railway trains.”

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”.

The statement added: “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.”

ThamesLink stated on its website: “The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Luton and Bedford. Whilst they carry out their work, all lines are closed.

“As a result, trains between London St Pancras International and Bedford / Leicester may be cancelled or revised. This is expected until the end of the day.”

It further added: “Trains are unable to run in or out on London St Pancras for the remainder of this evening. Passengers are advised not to travel.”

National Rail confirmed: “Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Luton and Bedford. Whilst they carry out their work, all lines are closed. As a result, trains between London St Pancras International and Bedford / Leicester may be cancelled or revised. This is expected until the end of the day.”

East Midlands Railway services said that its services to and from London St Pancras are also suspended for the remainder of today.

The fire and rescue service said: “Crews are currently in attendance at an incident on the railway just south of Bedford. Please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation.”

East of England Ambulance Service said: “We have sent a number of resources, including air ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team, to a major incident on the railway south of #Bedford. We encourage people to avoid the area.

“Further updates will be provided in due course. Please only call 999 in an emergency.”

Dr Pete Knapp wrote on Bluesky: “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.”

Dr Knapp, 40, told the Press Association: “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 added: “My first thought was I needed to get out of the train just in case it was a terrorist explosion, I thought it was safer to get off the train.”

He said he had not felt the train slow down before the crash, but other passengers told him they had. He told PA he saw people with “life-threatening, major injuries, minor injuries” as well as “people with bandages, people who couldn’t see straight”, while others like him were still able to walk.

He said: “I’ve got blood all over my trousers and my back hurts like hell but I’m alright.”

Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said he was “very sorry” to hear of the train crash between Bedford and Luton and would share more information “soon”.

In a post on his Facebook page, he said: “I’m very sorry to hear there has been a train collision between Bedford and Luton. Emergency services are at the scene.

“I will try to share more details soon.”

Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” by reports of a collision between two passenger trains in Bedfordshire.

In a post on X, the Transport Secretary said: “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.”

A Rail, Maritime and Transport union 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.”