A train driver died and nearly 90 people were injured after two trains collided south of Bedford on Friday afternoon, with an investigation underway into the cause.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and East Midlands Railway (EMR) will on Saturday continue probing the crash, after one train collided into the back of another on the same line shortly after 5pm.
Police remain near the scene and several roads in the area remain closed as the investigation takes place.
Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the RMT union, said the driver and former union rep was killed, but as of Saturday morning, the driver has not been named.
EMR said overnight that it is “deeply saddened” about the death of its driver and injuries to dozens of passengers.
A total of 33 people were taken to hospital while 56 sustained minor injuries.
Passenger Pete Knapp, 40, recalled: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.”
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as “hugely concerning” and said he is “grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident”.
Key Points
- One dead in Bedford train collision
- All lines from Bedford to London St Pancras closed due to pre-planned works
- Prime minister says reports of train crash are 'hugely concerning'
- Locals provide snacks for dozens stuck on trains behind crash
- Recap: What happened on Friday?
Passenger feeling 'angry' morning after the crash
09:29 , Alex CroftA passenger on board said he was feeling “angry” the morning after the crash.
Brett Byatt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yesterday I was pretty, like, shocked.
“This morning, it feels surreal, and I think I’ve moved into the stage of anger now. I’m feeling pretty angry.”
He added: “I don’t know at whom, who specifically, but it’s more about we’ve got one of the oldest railway networks and signal failures happen a lot, and now I’m just wondering… why wasn’t that signalled to my train and why did that train driver lose his life over this?”
All lines from Bedford to London St Pancras closed due to pre-planned works
09:10 , Alex CroftAll East Midlands Railway lines will be closed on Saturday and Sunday due to pre-planned engineering work, the rail company has said.
“If you are due to travel today or tomorrow, please be aware that due to pre-planned engineering work, all lines are closed between Bedford and London St Pancras,” it said in a statement.
“Trains that usually start and terminate at London St Pancras will start and terminate at Bedford instead. EMR will be operating a planned, amended timetable as a result.”
Due to the crash on Friday there may be short-notice alterations to the engineering timetable, it added, advising passengers to check their journey on the National Rail website.
Police remain on train crash scene near Bedford
09:00 , Alex CroftPolice remained near the scene of a fatal train crash near Bedford last night.
The Ampthill Road is closed from the Interchange Retail Park roundabout to Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick.
A British Transport Police officer was standing by the road closure sign on the roundabout exit, to divert drivers.
A Rail Accidents Investigation Branch van and a Deutsche Bahn vehicle have been allowed to drive on to the closed road.
East Midlands Railway confirms death of its employee
08:44 , Alex CroftOvernight, East Midlands Railway published a statement confirming the death of one of its drivers.
Will Rogers, managing director for EMR, said the company is “deeply saddened to confirm that this incident has resulted in the fatality of an EMR Driver and a number of injuries to passengers on board”
He added: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of our colleague who has died, and with all those affected by this tragic event.”
The rail company is working with Network Rail and the emergency services to assist with the response and support those affected.
After this, it will assist an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
Locals provide snacks for dozens stuck on trains behind crash
08:22 , Alex CroftLocals brought snacks for dozens of people stuck on a train behind the two trains that crashed on Friday.
Footage shows the passengers walking up the closed rail line after leaving the stationary train.
“Thoughts are with everyone involved in the Bedford train collision today. I was on the train behind and stranded for hours,” wrote on passenger on X.
“Huge thanks to my partner and neighbours, who brought water and snacks for passengers when we stopped outside my house. Humanity at its best. “
Thoughts are with everyone involved in the Bedford train collision today. I was on the train behind and stranded for hours. Huge thanks to my partner and neighbours, who brought water and snacks for passengers when we stopped outside my house. Humanity at its best. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bVFTlQxd3M
— ... (@jack24533906) June 19, 2026
Recap: What happened on Friday?
07:28 , Alex CroftIf you’re just waking up, here’s everything we know about the Bedford train crash as of Saturday morning.
- Two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services suffered a fatal collision on Friday, with one smashing into the back of the other on the same line near Bedford, shortly after 5pm.
- A train driver was killed and dozens of others were seriously injured when two passenger trains collided near Bedford.
- East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed that 11 people suffered “very serious” injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries.
- Air ambulance helicopters attended the scene after the collision just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6.
- All patients with the most serious injuries have all now been taken to hospital. A further 56 people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene or in hospital.
- The two trains involved were operating the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both to London St Pancras.
- 40-year-old passenger Pete Knapp said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.”
- Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash was “hugely concerning” and that he is “grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident”.
In pictures: Police cordon off scene overnight
07:21 , Alex Croft
Recap: 11 very seriously injured and 22 seriously injured in collision
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEast of England Ambulance Service has confirmed that 11 people suffered “very serious” injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries.
In a statement, the service said: “The East of England Ambulance Service was called to a collision involving two trains at Elstow, near Bedford, at around 5:15pm.
“We quickly declared a Major Incident and put our emergency response plans into action.
“We sent a large number of resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams, and six air ambulances.
All patients with the most serious injuries have now been taken from the scene to hospital.
“Sadly, one person died at the scene. A further 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries. Those with minor injuries were treated at the scene or taken to hospital where needed.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response.”
Watch: Footage shows scene of Bedford train collision
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Train crash appears to have been a 'relatively slow speed collision', expert says
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe train crash outside Bedford appears to have been a “relatively slow speed collision”, a rail expert has said.
Tony Miles told Sky News the damage to the trains looked “fairly minimal”.
He said: “Obviously it’s a rear end collision, they were going in the same direction, so one of them, the rear one was going faster than the one it’s caught up with, for some reason. That’s not a complicated assumption.
“So, the question has to be how has that train that’s in the rear got into contact with the train that it was following, and obviously it’s either gone past the signal that was telling it it should stop, or the signal was faulty, or the driver’s made a mistake in some way, or didn’t read the signal, or something.
“Over the years, all of those different scenarios have happened, and it’s now a question of finding out why did one train catch up with the train that was in front of it, that was obviously going more slowly. Whether it was stopped. I don’t know, but I say from the collision damage it looked like a relatively low speed collision.
“So either the train in the rear was already slowing down or they were both going fairly slowly, and something’s happened, but it’s not a high speed crash, certainly from the damage.”
He added: “Even if you’re going 40 miles an hour and you come to a halt in a few meters, you’ve got the energy of a 40-mile-an-hour body in you, and you’re going to move until you hit something, unfortunately. So, even relatively low speed collisions can be dangerous for people that are on board.”
Mayor of East Midlands 'shocked and concerned' by collision
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn a statement, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I’m shocked and concerned to hear that two East Midlands Railway Trains, one of which serves our region, have collided near Bedford this afternoon.
“My thoughts are with any impacted passengers and staff members aboard and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the emergency services for their fast response.
“The Department for Transport is working with our emergency services, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to ensure passengers and railway staff members are supported in the best way possible.
“Please avoid sharing unconfirmed reports until we hear officially from the emergency services or one of the agencies who run these services.”
In pictures: Investigators work at scene of crash
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
How have MPs responded to Bedford crash?
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMinisters and local politicians have said the crash is “very concerning” as they shared their condolences with those affected.
In a statement on X, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
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.”
Early on Friday evening Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin told The Telegraph: “I am very concerned by the early reports of an incident this evening just outside Bedford and Kempston, involving two Midland Mainline trains travelling towards London.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, their families, and all those who may be affected.
“I want to thank the emergency services and railway staff who are responding to the incident.”
‘People were screaming and crying’: Witness recalls being ‘flung’ into chair as trains collided near Bedford
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA witness described how people were “crying and screaming” following a train crash near Bedford on Friday.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue crews attended the scene just south of Bedford, with police confirming that two trains collided in the area.
Aerial footage of the aftermath shows two damaged East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains with most carriages on the tracks but at least one shunted off.
Footage shows a long line of emergency vehicles on a rural road as emergency crews and passengers gathered in the neighbouring field.
Eyewitness, Dr Pete Knapp, 40, said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.
“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”
You can read more below:
Witness recalls being ‘flung’ into chair as trains collided near Bedford
What we don't know as investigators probe crash scene
Saturday 20 June 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne person has died and dozens others have been injured after two passenger trains collided near Bedford on Friday afternoon.
Here’s what we don’t yet know:
• Why the crash happened - investigators are on the scene but we don’t yet know what caused this afternoon’s crash
• Who has died - police conffirmed one person has died in the collision, but their identity and whether they were a staff member or a passenger has not yet been confirmed
Train driver died in crash, says union
Friday 19 June 2026 23:58 , Daniel KeaneIn a statement, Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), confirmed the person killed in the train crash near Bedford was the driver of one of the trains.
He said: “We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died as a result of today’s crash between Luton and Bedford. The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the Aslef trade union at this awful time.”
Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died in the crash near Bedford today and with the passengers who were injured in the accident.
“We want to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly, to help those on board, and are still at the scene.”
Currently unclear whether rail services will resume on Saturday
Friday 19 June 2026 23:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIt is currently unclear whether rail services will resume between Bedford and Luton on Saturday following a collision on Friday afternoon.
East Midlands Railway confirmed no services would be running on the line for the rest of Friday earlier on, but the operator has yet to announce whether it will be able to resume services as usual over the weekend.
Everything we know as one dead after two trains collided in Bedford
Friday 19 June 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane• One person has died and 33 others left with “very serious” or “serious” injuries following a collision between two trains near Bedford
• The two East Midlands Railway services involved were the 4.40pm from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras
• A further 56 people had minor injuries
• Hospitals in Bedfordshire have declared a major incident and are asking people not to attend A&E unless it is a “genuine emergency”
• Sir Keir Starmer called the reports “hugely concerning” as he thanked emergency services for their response
• Network Rail said the train crash near Bedford would cause disruption for the rest of Friday
In pictures: Emergency services respond to crash after one person dies
Friday 19 June 2026 22:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
11 people suffer 'very serious' injuries, with more than 80 injured, ambulance service confirms
Friday 19 June 2026 22:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEast of England Ambulance Service has confirmed that 11 people suffered “very serious” injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries.
In a statement, the service said: “The East of England Ambulance Service was called to a collision involving two trains at Elstow, near Bedford, at around 5:15pm.
“We quickly declared a Major Incident and put our emergency response plans into action.
“We sent a large number of resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams, and six air ambulances.
All patients with the most serious injuries have now been taken from the scene to hospital.
“Sadly, one person died at the scene. A further 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries. Those with minor injuries were treated at the scene or taken to hospital where needed.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response.”
'You don't expect this in the UK' local says
Friday 19 June 2026 21:58 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice vehicles are on Progress Park where it is understood people are travelling to collect their loved ones who were on the train.
A number of ambulances and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue vehicles drove up nearby Ampthill Road which has been closed off by officers at the junction with the A5141 and A5134.
A helicopter has been circling overhead.
One local, who did not want to be named, said the news of the crash was a shock, telling the Press Association: “You don’t expect this in the UK”.
Mid Bedfordshire MP says 'thoughts and deepest condolences' with family and friends of person who died
Friday 19 June 2026 21:53 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBlake Stephenson MP has said his “thoughts and deepest condolences” are with the family and friends of the person who died in the train crash.
In a post online, the Mid Bedfordshire MP said: “Everyone is pulling together and working hard in response to this major incident.”
British Transport Police have sadly confirmed that there has been a fatality following the train collision south of Bedford.
— Blake Stephenson MP (@Blake_MidBeds) June 19, 2026
This is devastating news, and my thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends and loved ones of the person who has lost their life.
I…
Network Rail says train crash to cause disruption for the rest of the day
Friday 19 June 2026 21:49 , Maryam Zakir-HussainNetwork Rail said the train crash near Bedford would cause disruption for the rest of Friday.
A spokesperson said: “A major incident has been declared following a collision between two East Midlands Railway trains between Luton and Bedford.
“We are supporting the efforts of emergency services on scene and are thoughts are with everyone involved.
“There is currently no Thameslink service between Luton and Bedford, and East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras are suspended for the remainder of the day.
“Customers are advised not to travel on these routes and seek alternative travel arrangements.”
Prime minister says reports of train crash are 'hugely concerning'
Friday 19 June 2026 21:46 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister has said his thoughts are with the family of the person who died in the train collision as well as the people who were injured.
In a statement on X, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 19, 2026
First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
I am grateful to the emergency services for…
'We were picked up and shaken like dice'
Friday 19 June 2026 21:43 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA passenger who was in the East Midland train when it crashed said “we were picked up and shaken like dice”.
The woman, who did want to be named, also told The Telegraph: “Someone was unconscious on the ground… there was one woman by herself who had a broken cheekbone. There were people who were bleeding heavily. There were people who were stretchered out.”
She also described the train’s ceiling panels, seats, and suitcases falling down.
At least one carriage shunted off track
Friday 19 June 2026 21:32 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAerial footage of the aftermath shows the two damaged East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains with most carriages on the tracks but at least one shunted off.
Footage shows a long line of emergency vehicles on a rural road as emergency crews and passengers of the two southbound trains gathered in the neighbouring field.
BREAKING: One dead in Bedford train collision
Friday 19 June 2026 21:29 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOne person has died and several injured following a train collision south of Bedford.
British Transport Police:"Officers are continuing to respond to a collision between two trains on the line in Bedford, following reports around 5.15pm today (19 June).
"We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died.
"A major incident has been declared, and officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services.
"The collision involved two East Midlands Railway trains."
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing. We're working at pace to establish exactly what's happened and will provide further information as soon as we are able to".
"Officers from British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police are on scene with colleagues from the local authority to assist any members of the public concerned about loved ones."
Rail accident investigators on site to start gathering evidence
Friday 19 June 2026 21:26 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA team of RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) inspectors is on site at the scene of a collision between two trains near Elstow, to start gathering evidence.
Train crash appears to have been 'relatively slow speed collision,' rail expert says
Friday 19 June 2026 20:56 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe train crash outside Bedford appears to have been a “relatively slow speed collision”, a rail expert has said.
Tony Miles told Sky News the damage to the trains looked “fairly minimal”.
He said: “Obviously it’s a rear end collision, they were going in the same direction, so one of them, the rear one was going faster than the one it’s caught up with, for some reason. That’s not a complicated assumption.
“So, the question has to be how has that train that’s in the rear got into contact with the train that it was following, and obviously it’s either gone past the signal that was telling it it should stop, or the signal was faulty, or the driver’s made a mistake in some way, or didn’t read the signal, or something.
“Over the years, all of those different scenarios have happened, and it’s now a question of finding out why did one train catch up with the train that was in front of it, that was obviously going more slowly. Whether it was stopped. I don’t know, but I say from the collision damage it looked like a relatively low speed collision.
“So either the train in the rear was already slowing down or they were both going fairly slowly, and something’s happened, but it’s not a high speed crash, certainly from the damage.”
He added: “Even if you’re going 40 miles an hour and you come to a halt in a few meters, you’ve got the energy of a 40-mile-an-hour body in you, and you’re going to move until you hit something, unfortunately. So, even relatively low speed collisions can be dangerous for people that are on board.”
Public urged not to attend other hospitals in area without 'genuine emergency'
Friday 19 June 2026 20:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWe already brought you the news passengers had been urged not to attend Bedford Hospital’s A&E department without a “genuine emergency”.
Now Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, another in the area, has said the same in a statement on social media.
We still don’t know the exact number of injuries, nor the nature of them.
Crash is 'distressing situation for many', Bedford mayor says
Friday 19 June 2026 20:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe train crash near Bedford is “clearly a distressing situation for many people across our community”, the town’s mayor has said.
Tom Wootton said in a post on Facebook: “I am deeply concerned by reports of the train collision near Bedford this evening.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with everyone involved, particularly those who have been injured, their families and loved ones. I would also like to thank the emergency services, NHS staff, railway personnel and all those responding to this incident for their swift and professional actions under very difficult circumstances.
“I am in contact with relevant agencies and receiving updates as the situation develops. Bedford Borough Council stands ready to provide whatever support may be required as emergency responders continue their work.
“This is clearly a distressing situation for many people across our community. At this stage, it is important that we allow the emergency services and railway authorities the space they need to deal with the incident and establish the full facts.
“Bedford is a strong community, and when difficult events occur, we come together to support one another. We will continue to work closely with our partners and will do all we can to assist those affected. I will share further information when it becomes available through the appropriate official channels.”
'People were crying, screaming': Witness describes moment trains collided
Friday 19 June 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA witness described people were “crying, screaming” and said some seemed to have major injuries following a train crash near Bedford.
Pete Knapp, 40, told the Press Association: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.
“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”
He added: “My first thought was I needed to get out of the train just in case it was a terrorist explosion, I thought it was safer to get off the train.”
He said he had not felt the train slow down before the crash, but other passengers told him they had.
He told PA he saw people with “life-threatening, major injuries, minor injuries” as well as “people with bandages, people who couldn’t see straight”, while others like him were still able to walk.
He said: “I’ve got blood all over my trousers and my back hurts like hell but I’m alright.”
Public urged to avoid attending A&E at Bedford hospitals
Friday 19 June 2026 20:22 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMembers of the public have been urged not to attend Bedford Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department unless they have a “genuine medical emergency” following the collision earlier this evening.
In a post on social media, Bedford Hospital wrote: “Our hospitals are currently supporting the active incident in relation to the recent train crash in Bedford. We ask the public to avoid attending our Emergency Departments unless they have a genuine medical emergency.
“Please use NHS services appropriately. Further updates will be provided when it is appropriate to do so.”
Watch: Emergency services dealing with 'serious injuries'
Friday 19 June 2026 20:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOperator names two trains involved in collision
Friday 19 June 2026 20:13 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe 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.
Health secretary confirms 'number of injuries'
Friday 19 June 2026 20:08 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe 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.”
'All hands on deck' at hospitals, reports say
Friday 19 June 2026 20:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHospitals 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.
Rail union 'deeply concerned' by collision
Friday 19 June 2026 19:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe 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.”
🚨Luton/Bedford crash update
— RMT (@RMTunion) June 19, 2026
An RMT spokesperson said: “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… pic.twitter.com/LJQVO0uw5y
Train services between London and Bedford suspended for rest of day
Friday 19 June 2026 19:42 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEast 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 dealing with 'major incident'
Friday 19 June 2026 19:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBedfordshire 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 injured passengers asked not to travel to scene
Friday 19 June 2026 19:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRelatives 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.
Transport secretary 'deeply concerned' by reports of crash
Friday 19 June 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHeidi 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.”
Air ambulance in attendance at scene of crash
Friday 19 June 2026 19:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAn 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.”
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.
— EEAST Ambulance Service (@EastEnglandAmb) June 19, 2026
Further updates will be provided in due course. Please only call 999 in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/0wrC6IYByF
'Sudden crash': Passengers shares moment trains collided
Friday 19 June 2026 19:21 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA 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”.
MP 'very concerned' by reports of collision
Friday 19 June 2026 19:09 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said he is “very concerned” by reports of a collision involving two trains this evening.
He told The Telegraph: “I am very concerned by the early reports of an incident this evening just outside Bedford and Kempston, involving two Midland Mainline trains travelling towards London.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, their families, and all those who may be affected.
“I want to thank the emergency services and railway staff who are responding to the incident.
“At this stage, details are still emerging and I would urge people not to speculate about what has happened. It is important that the emergency services are able to do their work and that the facts are properly established.
“I will continue to follow the situation closely as more information becomes available.”
Bedfordshire Police urge people to avoid the area
Friday 19 June 2026 19:04 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBedfordshire Police has also confirmed its officers are responding to an incident involving a train between Luton and Bedford.
In a statement the force urged people to avoid the area of the collision.
“Emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident on the railway line just south of Bedford,” the force said in a statement.
“All lines through the area have been stopped. Please check your journey before you travel and allow plenty of extra time.
“We are asking for people to avoid the area and we will update when we can. Thank you.”
Passengers 'strongly advised' to delay journeys on affected lines
Friday 19 June 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWe’ve just heard from Network Rail, who are “strongly advising” passengers to delay their journeys on affected lines.
A Network Rail spokesperson, said: "Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Luton and Bedford.
"There is currently no Thameslink service between Luton and Bedford. If you're planning a journey in this area, it is strongly advised that you delay your journey.
"Services between Luton and London are significantly disrupted. We advise customers to seek alternative travel arrangements."
Police responding to reports of a collision, British Transport Police confirm
Friday 19 June 2026 18:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBritish Transport Police have confirmed they are responding to reports of a train collision this evening in a statement on social media.
In a post on X they wrote: “We're responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area.
“We'll share more information as soon as possible.”
We're responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area.
— British Transport Police (@BTP) June 19, 2026
We'll share more information as soon as possible.
Major disruption expected until the end of the day
Friday 19 June 2026 18:48 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMajor disruption is expected on Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services until the end of the day, according to National Rail.
In a statement on their website they said: “The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Luton and Bedford. Whilst they carry out their work, all lines are closed. As a result, trains between London St Pancras International and Bedford / Leicester may be cancelled or revised.
“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
Emergency services dealing with serious incident after reports of train collision
Friday 19 June 2026 18:44 , Daniel KeaneEmergency services are dealing with an incident on a railway line south of Bedford following reports that two trains have collided.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said in a post on X that crews were in attendance at an incident on the railway south of Bedford.
