Passengers to face rail disruption for a week following fatal train crash

Network Rail said it would be a ‘complex recovery operation’

The fatal train crash near Bedford was a “tragic, isolated incident”, Network Rail has said, as it announced that rail services will be disrupted until June 28 while a “complex recovery operation” to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the track continued.

The collision, which killed a train driver and left 100 others injured, involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains – with one smashing into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.

On Sunday, Network Rail said a “complex recovery operation” to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway had begun.

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Engineers will then need to assess the damage and complete repairs.

Rail passengers have been warned to expect disruption to services to and from Bedford for another week, and were urged to only travel if it is “absolutely necessary”.

There will be no services north of Luton on the busy commuter Thameslink line and no EMR services south of Bedford, with a limited rail replacement bus service in operation between Luton and Bedford, Network Rail said.

British Transport Police said more than 80 people were treated in hospital on Friday night, and as of Saturday morning 28 remained in hospital, with nine in a critical condition.

Of the 100 victims, 11 people were very seriously injured, a further 32 were seriously hurt and 57 others suffered minor injuries, the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) said.

“While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident,” said Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director.

“We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.

“During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.”