Bedford train collision latest: Hospital dealing with ‘major incident’ after multiple people injured in crash

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.

The health secretary has confirmed a “number of injuries” after two trains collided on Friday evening.

In a statement on social media, James Murray said: “I am being kept updated on the collision of two trains between Luton and Bedford.

“A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders who are helping those affected.”

Hospitals are asking staff for “all hands on deck” this evening according to reports in The Times.

Reports suggest there are multiple serious injuries, but no exact number has been confirmed.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust told The Independent it is dealing with a “major incident” this evening.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers has said it is ‘deeply concerned’ by this evening’s collision.

In a post on X it wrote: “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.”

East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras are suspended for the remainder of today, the train operator has said following a collision between two passenger trains in Bedfordshire.

“Trains are unable to run in or out on London St Pancras for the remainder of this evening. Customers are advised DO NOT TRAVEL this evening (19th June),” it said in a statement on its website.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have said they are dealing with a “major incident” this evening.

When contacted by The Independent a spokesperson said: “We are in the midst of a major incident and won’t be commenting further at this time”.

Relatives and friends of the passengers injured in a collision between two trains near Bedford are being asked not to travel to the scene, Bedfordshire Police have said in a statement.

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.”

An air ambulance is in attendance at the scene of a crash between two trains near Bedford this evening.

In a post on X, East of England Ambulance Service wrote: “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.”

A passenger has described the moment there was a “sudden crash” as two trains collided between Luton and Bedford.

In a post on Bluesky, Dr Pete Knapp wrote: “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”.