Bedford train crash LIVE: Driver dead and dozens injured as two trains collide

Passengers on trains involved in a horror crash near Bedford have described the moment the two collided, as one shared footage in the aftermath.

Read the full story here.

The incident is Britain's first fatal crash involving multiple trains for more than a quarter of a century.

A train driver was killed and dozens of others were seriously injured when two passenger trains collided near Bedford.

The incident involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one smashing into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.

The deceased has been confirmed as one of the train drivers, according to Dave Calfe, general secretary of Aslef the train drivers' union.

Read the full story here.

Dave Calfe, general secretary of Aslef the train drivers' union has confirmed that the deceased is a driver of one of the trains.

Mr Calfe said: "Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died in the crash near Bedford today and with the passengers who were injured in the accident."

"We want to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly, to help those on board, and are still at the scene."

A team of Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors is on site to gather evidence.

Hospital in Cambridge is also asking people to "help us keep our Emergency Department available for those who need emergency care".

The ambulance service said more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams, and six air ambulances, were sent to the scene of the collision.

The ambulance service said: “We quickly declared a major incident and put our emergency response plans into action.

“We sent a large number of resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist hazardous area response teams, and six air ambulances.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response.”

Eleven people suffered “very serious” injuries and 22 were seriously injured in the train collision near Bedford, East of England Ambulance Service has said.

Patients with the most serious injuries have all now been taken from the scene to hospital.

A further 56 people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene or taken to hospital.

Police vehicles are on Progress Park where it is understood people are travelling to collect their loved ones who were on the train.

A number of ambulances and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue vehicles drove up nearby Ampthill Road which has been closed off by officers at the junction with the A5141 and A5134.

A helicopter has been circling overhead.

One local, who did not want to be named, said the news of the crash was a shock: "You don’t expect this in the UK."

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.”

In a statement, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I’m shocked and concerned to hear that two East Midlands Railway Trains, one of which serves our region, have collided near Bedford this afternoon.

“My thoughts are with any impacted passengers and staff members aboard and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the emergency services for their fast response.

“The Department for Transport is working with our emergency services, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to ensure passengers and railway staff members are supported in the best way possible.

“Please avoid sharing unconfirmed reports until we hear officially from the emergency services or one of the agencies who run these services.”

Most carriages of the two southbound trains remained on the tracks but at least one derailed.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said his thoughts are with the family of the person who died in the train collision as well as the people who were injured.

In a statement on X, Sir Keir said: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.

“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.

“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”

A number of people have been injured, BTP also said.

Deputy Chief Constable for BTP, 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".

“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.”

A spokesperson for the BTP 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."

One person has died after the collision, the British Transport Police said.

EMR are currently at the scene to assist emergency services.

Here is the message published by the ORR on X.

Bedford Hospital said: "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."

Passenger Pete Knapp described people “crying, screaming” and said some seemed to have major injuries.

“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," he also said.

The line is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day after the collision between the two EMR trains.

An aerial view of the scene showing emergency crews at work.

The map shows approximately where the crash happened.

It emerged earlier that the collision happened just south of the Elstow road interchange for the A421 and the A6.

The public should avoid attending the emergency department at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital unless they have a genuine emergency, the hospital said in a statement on social media as medics help passengers injured in the train crash near Bedford.

The MP for North Bedfordshire, Richard Fuller, has filmed a brief video outside the station talking to staff and residents.

In the video, he urged people to avoid Bedford Station and, instead, to make their way to Milton Keynes.

The train crash near Bedford has been described as “clearly a distressing situation for many people across our community”.

Tom Wootton said in a post on Facebook: “I am deeply concerned by reports of the train collision near Bedford this evening.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with everyone involved, particularly those who have been injured, their families and loved ones. I would also like to thank the emergency services, NHS staff, railway personnel and all those responding to this incident for their swift and professional actions under very difficult circumstances.

“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. I will share further information when it becomes available through the appropriate official channels.”

The two trains involved in the collision at Bedford South were the 4.40pm East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras service, the train operator said in a statement.

Pete Knapp, 40, said: “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.”

It is understood that the train involved in the collision were the 4.40pm EMR train from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras.

The collision took place at Bedford South.

Dave Calfe, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of a collision between two trains near Bedford. Our thoughts at this moment are with all the staff and passengers on board. Thank you to the emergency services for their ongoing work responding to this incident.”

Aerial footage of the aftermath shows two damaged East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains with most carriages on the tracks but at least one shunted off.

Footage shows a long line of emergency vehicles on a rural road as emergency crews and passengers gathered in the neighbouring field.

James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said "a number of people have been injured".

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is at the scene to investigate.

RMT union shared the following message.

According to Flighradar24, "a London’s Air Ambulance H135 has just left the scene of a crash between two passenger trains near Bedford".

According to a witness, Dr Pete Knapp, the collision took place at 5.12pm. He said there was a "sudden crash".

Police are asking people not to travel to the scene of the collision.

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.”

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.

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

All emergency services are at the scene.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says she is "deeply concerned".

Here is her message on X.

This is a photo taken at the scene of the collision between the two trains.

East Midlands Railway said they "are currently unable to run services in or out of London for the remainder of the day".

"A number of incidents is affecting Great Northern and Thameslink today. Trains on their network may be cancelled or revised," National Rail said in its latest update.

Here are more details.

Here is an update from the ambulance service, which sent a number of resources to the scene of the collision.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said "crews are currently in attendance at an incident on the railway just south of Bedford".

The service is urging people to avoid the area.

Bedfordshire Police are also at the scene.

Here is a message from East Midlands Railway

Lines have been blocked since 5.30pm today.

Thameslink also said: "We strongly suggest that you delay travelling until later today. If you cannot delay your journey, please note that you will be severely delayed and will likely need to use an alternative route to reach your destination."

Here is another update from Thameslink.

Other stations, inlcuding London St Pancras International and links between Bedford and Leicester, are also being affected.

Here is a message from National Rail.

Here is a statement from the British Transport Police.

Passengers urged to find alternative routes.

Bedfordshire Police said: "Emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident on the railway line just south of Bedford.

"All lines through the area have been stopped. Please check your journey before you travel and allow plenty of extra time.

"We are asking for people to avoid the area and we will update when we can. Thank you."

All lines are blocked between Luton and Bedford, Thameslink said.

Two trains have reportedly collided near Bedford, on a line terminating at Luton Airport.

Welcome to our live blog. We'll bring you the latest on the incident involving two trains south of Bedford.