Two trains collided in Bedford, about 60 miles north of London, on Friday, resulting in one death and multiple serious injuries, according to the British Transport Police.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) confirmed the death of one of its drivers in the collision in an X post on Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that yesterday the 16:40 EMR service from Corby to London St Pancras was involved in a collision with the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras service at Bedford South.” said the post “Tragically, this incident resulted in the fatality of an EMR driver and a number of injuries to passengers on board. Our thoughts and condolences are with their family, friends and colleagues, as well as everyone else affected by this incident. We are continuing to work closely with Network Rail and the emergency services.”
Video footages on social media showed the front of one train entangled with the back of another, with both trains still on the track on the railway south of Bedford.
The East of England Ambulance Service said it had sent multiple resources, including an air ambulance to the site of the collision and appealed to the public to avoid the area.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander posted on X, expressing her concern over the collision and offered condolences to the family of the deceased driver. She also stated that a full investigation would take place and that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch Inspectors were on site.
“Deeply saddened to hear one person has died and a number of people injured in the awful train collision near Bedford. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and everyone affected. Emergency services remain on scene” she wrote “Police have declared a major incident and Rail Accident Investigation Branch inspectors are on site. A full investigation will take place.”
Alexander added, “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.”
