A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured after two passenger trains collided near Bedford on Friday evening, with passengers describing scenes of blood, smoke and chaos.
The crash happened at about 5.15pm just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6, involving two southbound East Midlands Railway services – the 4.40pm from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
“A train driver died and 89 were injured when two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford on Friday evening.”
The driver who died was Dave Calfe, general secretary of the Aslef train drivers’ union confirmed. Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT union, said the union was “devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died”.
Of the injured, 11 people suffered “very serious” injuries, 22 were seriously injured and 56 had minor injuries, the East of England Ambulance Service said. Air ambulance helicopters landed at the scene, and Bedford Hospital put out an “all hands on deck” call, expecting at least 50 casualties.
Passenger Dr Peter Knapp, who was in the front carriage of one of the trains, said: “There was no indication of any collision, no screeching of wheels, nor sirens or alarms. Suddenly there was an impact. I thought it was a bomb, I saw a lot of smoke and people on the floor, bloodied faces. A lot of people crying and screaming.”
His shins were gouged by the chair in front. Shola Mene, another passenger, said she heard a “big bang” and “people flew from their seats, the seats were pulling, and then someone just flew across and hit my husband in the face. There was a lot of blood.”
Teresa Itabor, on her way to London to celebrate her birthday, said: “We left Bedford station and there was a massive bang… My head hit the seat in front of me. I opened my eyes and that’s when I saw people on the floor with blood everywhere.”
The British Transport Police declared a major incident. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “We’re working at pace to establish exactly what’s happened.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said it was “too early to speculate” on the cause but promised a thorough investigation. “The UK railways are some of the safest in the world,” she added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “Hugely concerning reports… my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.”
All lines between Luton and Bedford were blocked, and services to and from London St Pancras were suspended for the rest of Friday evening, with disruption expected into Saturday. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is expected to investigate.