Bedford train collision: At least 50 were injured and one dead after two trains collided in a major accident in north London on Friday afternoon. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene and immediately launched rescue and relief operations. The incident took place about 60 miles north of London, according to British Transport Police.
British Transport Police confirmed that they were responding to reports of a collision involving two trains. "We're responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area. We'll share more information as soon as possible," it wrote on X.
The East of England Ambulance Service said it had sent several resources, including an air ambulance, to what it described as a “major incident” on the railway south of Bedford. Officials have urged people to avoid the area. Rail operator Thameslink added that all train services between Luton and Bedford have been blocked due to an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Passengers recall the horrific incident
One passenger said the impact threw him forward from his seat. He later saw fellow passengers with broken bones and other injuries. According to rail tracking websites, both trains were travelling southbound towards London's St Pancras station when they collided outside the city of Bedford at around 5:15 pm.
Peter Knapp, who was travelling as a passenger on the rear train, said the collision occurred without any warning.
Knapp said, "One moment I was thrown forward onto the seat in front of me, and then I saw smoke. People were crying and screaming. They were extremely frightened and distressed."
He added, "I got up and saw many people who were unable to speak, and some had broken legs. I somehow managed to get out of the train because I am quite slim, so I was able to squeeze through the gap between the doors."
Extensive Emergency Response Deployed at the Scene
Emergency services deployed a wide range of resources, including an air ambulance from the East of England Ambulance Service and specialist teams trained to handle hazardous incidents. In a statement, police said, "We are aware that several people have been injured and, sadly, one person has died."
Police further stated, "This has been declared a major incident, and officers are working alongside colleagues from Bedfordshire Police, local fire and rescue services, and ambulance services at the scene."
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Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Transport of the United Kingdom, Heidi Alexander, also expressed concern over the incident. She wrote on X, "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."
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