Bedford train crash latest: Injury toll rises to 100 as investigators look into cause of collision

An ongoing probe into what caused the Bedford train crash is likely looking into signal failures and the possibility of human error, an expert has said.

Authorities, led by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, will be looking at data from the black boxes in the trains, along with CCTV and available signalling information.

“I think it comes down to human error or a system fault, or some kind of interaction from the environment outside … It’s very hard to tell [what happened],” railway systems consultant Peter Hicks told The Times.

“They [the investigators] will get downloads from the systems on the trains to say what inputs the drivers gave, and outputs from the signalling system. And they will be the ones who can say what the root cause and what the contributory causes were.”

British Transport Police have urged people to please “refrain from speculation” on what caused the Bedford train crash, as a probe continues.

“There will be a lot of questions as to what exactly happened on (Friday) night, chief constable Lucy D’Orsi said.

“I would like to reassure everyone that specialist investigators from British Transport Police are working with colleagues at the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to gather the facts and determine what has happened.

“They are extremely experienced and I would ask that we all refrain from speculation.”

In a statement on X, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said it was working with the British Transport Police to determine what happened before the crash.

In a statement on X, the RAIB said: “RAIB inspectors continue to gather evidence at the site of yesterday’s collision between two trains near Elstow.

“RAIB will conduct a full, independent safety investigation into this tragic accident.

“We will provide a further update in the coming days once we know more.”

In our editorial published tonight, we say the horrific incident requires urgent investigation, but it must not be hijacked by those with an axe to grind about railway nationalisation.

Read the full piece here:

East of England Ambulance Service has issued an update on the number of people injured in the crash, saying 100 people were hurt.

The number seriously injured was 32, and the number with minor injuries, 57. Eleven people sustained very serious injures, the ambulance service said.

Nine of these people remained in a critical condition in hospital as of Saturday afternoon.

Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, has paid tribute to those involved in the Bedford crash.

She wrote on X: “As Bedfordshire continues to come to terms with yesterday’s tragic rail accident, our thoughts remain with all those who were injured, affected, or anxiously awaiting news of loved ones.

“We also remember with great sadness the train driver who lost his life whilst carrying out his duties. Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales has issued a statement on the Bedford train crash.

“Our thoughts remain with the victims involved in the Bedford train collision,” the federation said.

“We are also thinking of our BTP (British Transport Police) and Bedfordshire Police colleagues and all emergency workers at this difficult time.”

Network Rail said on Saturday that part of the East Midlands route remained closed as the emergency response continued and teams assessed damage to the trains and infrastructure.

The company said it would provide updates when it had a clearer understanding of the recovery work required and when services can safely reopen, adding that passengers should check with their train operator for the latest travel advice.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally said her prayers were with the family of the driver who was killed and all those injured.

Writing on X, she added: “May God comfort and protect them, and equip all those who are caring for them in the aftermath of this tragic incident.”