Bedford train crash latest: Nine in critical condition as King Charles ‘greatly saddened’ by deadly collision

Nine people are in a critical condition following a rail crash near Bedford on Friday evening in which the driver died and 100 people were injured.

King Charles has said he is “greatly saddened” by the incident and is being kept regularly updated on developments.

He said “his thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident”, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson added.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and East Midlands Railway (EMR) are investigating the crash, after one train collided into the back of another on the same line shortly after 5pm.

Out of 33 people taken to hospital, 28 remain on Saturday, with nine in a critical condition.

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”.

Were you impacted by the train crash in Bedford? Email holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk.

Key Points

Nine in critical condition after more than 80 hospitalised - BTP chief
One dead in Bedford train collision
Trains crashed 'because of problem with automatic warning system'
Passenger feeling 'angry' morning after the crash
All lines from Bedford to London St Pancras closed due to pre-planned works
Recap: What happened on Friday?

Please refrain from speculation, say transport police

07:27 , Alex Croft

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.”

Rail Accident Investigation Branch to give update in coming days

07:01 , Alex Ross

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."

Update on number of people injured in crash

06:00 , Alex Ross

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.

'The Bedford train tragedy demands seriousness' - The Independent View

03:00 , Alex Ross

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:

Image from: Bedford train crash latest: Nine in critical condition as King Charles ‘greatly saddened’ by deadly collision

The Bedford train tragedy demands seriousness – not a debate about public ownership

Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire pays tribute to those in crash

23:59 , Alex Ross

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.”

Police Federation of England and Wales: 'Thoughts remain with the victims'

22:16 , Alex Ross

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."

East Midlands rail route remains closed

21:00 , Alex Ross

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 says her prayers are for those impacted

20:00 , Alex Ross

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.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally has apologised for the Church of England’s role in historical forced adoptions (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

Bedford train crash: Everything we know about the collision that killed a driver and injured 89

19:00 , Alex Croft

A train crash in Bedfordshire has left one dead and dozens more injured after two services collided during rush hour.

The fatal incident took place on Friday when the 4:40pm departure from Corby collided into the back of the 3:50pm from Nottingham. Both services were headed to London St Pancras.

As of Saturday lunchtime, 28 remain in hospital with nine in a critical condition, British Transport Police chief constable Lucy D’Orsi said.

King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer have offered their condolences after a train driver was killed, with reports on Saturday that nine more people are in critical condition.

Read everything we know about the crash:

All we know about the deadly Bedford train crash as cause under investigation

Witness says most people in his carriage could not stand or move their neck after crash

18:30 , Alex Croft

A passenger on one of the trains that collided said he thought 90 per cent of people on his carriage had serious injuries, could not stand or move their neck.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Brett Byatt said: “The people in first class ended up with stomach and rib injuries, because they went into the tables they have in first class, and EMR (East Midlands Railway) trains, the way that they’re structured with seats, was probably the worst way it could have been structured for a train crash, in the sense that there’s nothing… because they’re, they face each other in the three by three and the two by three, and the seat… when people flew into one another, the seats that they were on, like, broke backwards into the people behind them.”

The teacher, who lives in Bedford and was unharmed in the crash, added: “I’ve said before that I’d probably say 90 per cent of the people on my carriage had injuries, I’d probably say from three to four of us were uninjured in a full carriage.

“Everyone else had either a serious wound that was bleeding profusely, or a situation where they couldn’t stand, or couldn’t move their neck, or I saw a woman’s snapped leg.”

Watch: Police confirm nine in critical condition after train crash

18:00 , Alex Croft

First responders worked 'under very challenging circumstances' - chief nurse

17:30 , Alex Croft

We earlier heard from Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive professor Nicola Ranger, who was the latest to pay her respects to those impacted by the fatal Bedford train crash.

“Our thoughts and wishes are with all of those affected by this tragic incident, particularly with the family, friends and colleagues of the driver who lost his life,” she said.

“We also send our thanks to the first responders who acted so quickly, including the nursing staff, some of whom came in whilst off duty to care for the injured.

“They no doubt worked under very challenging circumstances to care for all those affected.”

'Complex recovery operation' ahead, says Network Rail chief

17:01 , Alex Croft

There will be a “complex recovery operation” following the train crash near Bedford, Ellie Burrows, regional managing director of Network Rail East, told a press conference earlier.

“This will be a complex recovery operation,” she said on Saturday afternoon.

“We have significant railway resources deployed on the ground and teams from across the industry are working closely together to support the response, recover the railway safely and minimise disruption wherever possible.

The focus, she said, is on “supporting those affected and working with the relevant authorities as they investigate what happened”.

Ms Burrows advised people to check National Rail Enquiries and operator websites for the latest travel information.

Watch: Bedford train crash passenger captures collision aftermath on video

16:29 , Alex Croft

Police and rail authorities remain on the scene

16:00 , Alex Croft

Police and network rail crews remain at the scene of the fatal train crash near Bedford.

Reporters have been permitted to enter a field next to the railway line to get a closer view of the scene.

The front of the train from Corby has been crushed where it collided with the rear of the train from Nottingham.

On the rear train, which has Luton Airport Express livery, there is visible damage to the rear of the carriages which have been shunted into ones in front.

Most of the carriage doors are open on both trains.

There is a gap in the hedges where crews are accessing the tracks.

Latest pictures from the scene near Bedford

15:27 , Alex Croft

28 people remain in hospital after the crash (PA)

The scene just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6 in Bedford South after two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains were involved in a collision around 5.15pm on Friday (PA)

Nearly 90 passengers were injured (Sky News)

Nine remain in a critical condition (PA)

Fire chief offers condolences to family of driver after 'substantial emergency response'

14:55 , Alex Croft

We’ve heard from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, Andy Hopkinson, who offered his condolences for the family and loved ones of the killed train driver.

He told a press conference near the scene of the rail crash: “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 5.14pm to reports of a collision involving two passenger trains just south of Bedford.

“We mobilised over 20 fire appliances and specialist vehicles and at the height of the response, over 70 firefighters and specialist officers were involved at the scene. This included specialist resources from neighbouring services.

He added that it was a “major incident, requiring a substantial and co-ordinated emergency response”.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson speaking to members of the media near the scene (PA)

Nine in critical condition after more than 80 hospitalised - BTP chief

14:25 , Alex Croft

More than 80 people were treated at hospital following the fatal train crash near Bedford on Friday night, British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said.

As of Saturday lunchtime, 28 remain in hospital with nine in a critical condition.

She told reporters at a press conference near the scene: “I’d like to thank the ambulance service and the National Health Service for their response.

“There will, of course, be a lot of questions as to what exactly happened last night. I would really 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.“

Fire Brigades Union pays tribute to 'tireless efforts' of emergency services

13:50 , Alex Croft

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU has paid tribute to the “tireless efforts” of emergency responders following yesterday’s crash.

“The Fire Brigades Union is saddened to learn of the death of a train driver following yesterday’s rail incident near Bedford,” it said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this tragic event and members across @RMTunion @TSSAunion @ASLEFunion

“We also recognise the tireless efforts of firefighters and fellow emergency service workers who responded to the incident, including those working in hospitals to assist the injured caught up in this tragic incident.”

Local council says thoughts are with family of the driver

13:24 , Alex Croft

North Northamptonshire Council is the latest body to offer its condolences after the tragic train crash.

The council said: “We’re deeply saddened by the train crash near Bedford yesterday.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the train driver who has lost their life and all those injured and affected by the incident.

“We are grateful to the emergency services who responded to such tragic circumstances.”

Locals provide snacks for dozens stuck on trains behind crash

12:59 , Alex Croft

Locals 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

‘We were picked up and shaken like dice’: Witness recalls horrific moment trains collided near Bedford

12:36 , Alex Croft

A witness described how people were “picked up and shaken like dice” following a train crash that killed a driver and injured more than 80 people near Bedford on Friday.

Eyewitness, Dr Pete Knapp, 40, described the moment he was “flung” into a chair as the two trains collided. He 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.”

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.”

Dr Knapp said he had not felt the train slow down before the crash, but other passengers told him they had.

He said he 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.

Dr Knapp added: “I’ve got blood all over my trousers and my back hurts like hell but I’m alright.”

How have MPs responded to Bedford crash?

12:14 , Alex Croft

Ministers 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.”

Network Rail 'deeply saddened' after death of train driver

11:52 , Alex Croft

Network Rail has said it is “deeply saddened” after a train driver “tragically died” in a statement released on Saturday morning.

“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues, and with everyone affected,” it said.

“Our teams are on site working closely with the emergency services and industry partners. We want to thank the emergency services and the wider railway family for their professionalism and swift response.

“In the meantime, we ask passengers to please check before they travel.”

Bedford train crash passenger ‘angry’ after horror collision

11:29 , Alex Croft

Holly Patrick writes:

A passenger on board one of the two trains that collided south of Bedford on Friday afternoon (19 June) said he was feeling “angry” the morning after the crash.

Brett Byatt, a teacher who lives in Bedford and was unharmed in the crash, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday: "Yesterday I was pretty shocked. This morning it feels surreal, and I think I’ve moved into the stage of anger now.

"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?”

A train driver died and more than 80 people were injured after the collision. Investigations are set to begin into the cause of the crash, after one train collided into the back of a stationary train on the same line shortly after 5pm.

Watch here:

Bedford train crash passenger ‘angry’ after horror collision

Driver who died was on 16:40 Corby train to St Pancras - Aslef

11:05 , Alex Croft

The driver who died in the train collision on Friday was on the 16:40 Corby train to St Pancras, Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said on Saturday morning.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the railway family will be “feeling the sadness and sorrow” of the loss of their life.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is looking into what lessons can be learned, he added.

Mr Calfe said: "The most important thing for us is that we learn the outcomes from incidents like this and prevent them from happening in the future."

King Charles 'deeply saddened' by Bedford rail crash

10:52 , Alex Croft

The King is “greatly saddened” by the rail crash near Bedford on Friday evening, Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said.

King Charles is being kept regularly updated on developments and “his thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident”, they added.

Trains crashed 'because of problem with automatic warning system', says Simon Calder

10:27 , Alex Croft

Travel expert and former Independent correspondent Simon Calder has said the trains crashed as a result of a technical fault on the rail lines.

The train in front, which was running late on its way south to London, had come to a halt “because of a problem with the automatic warning system which warns train drivers if there is a red signal ahead”, he told Cathy Newman on Sky News.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch says it is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

While the driver was travelling to sort this out, the 16:40pm from Corby was on the same southbound line and collided with the stationary train.

“The pictures we are seeing are just shocking for the train to have struck with such force that we had a derailment is really worrying.

“Of course, railways are in general extremely safe... but if you are involved in an accident where you were previously travelling quickly and suddenly come to a halt then that is, I’m so sorry to say, going to involve some serious injuries.”

Witness says most people in his carriage could not stand or move their neck after crash

10:13 , Alex Croft

A passenger on one of the trains that collided said he thought 90 per cent of people on his carriage had serious injuries, could not stand or move their neck.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Brett Byatt said: “The people in first class ended up with stomach and rib injuries, because they went into the tables they have in first class, and EMR (East Midlands Railway) trains, the way that they’re structured with seats, was probably the worst way it could have been structured for a train crash, in the sense that there’s nothing… because they’re, they face each other in the three by three and the two by three, and the seat… when people flew into one another, the seats that they were on, like, broke backwards into the people behind them.”

The teacher, who lives in Bedford and was unharmed in the crash, added: “I’ve said before that I’d probably say 90 per cent of the people on my carriage had injuries, I’d probably say from three to four of us were uninjured in a full carriage.

“Everyone else had either a serious wound that was bleeding profusely, or a situation where they couldn’t stand, or couldn’t move their neck, or I saw a woman’s snapped leg.”

89 people were injured in the crash (Reuters)

Watch: Emergency workers on scene after two trains collide in Bedford area

09:49 , Alex Croft

Passenger feeling 'angry' morning after the crash

09:29 , Alex Croft

A 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 Croft

All 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 Croft

Police 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.

A Police road block on Ampthill Road, Bedford South on Saturday, after two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains were involved in a collision around 5.15pm on Friday (PA)

Investigations are underway into the cause of the crash (PA)

East Midlands Railway confirms death of its employee

08:44 , Alex Croft

Overnight, 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 Croft

Locals 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 Croft

If 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

Police block a road that gives access into an area near the scene of a collision involving two trains near Bedford, Britain (Reuters)

The train driver was killed in the crash (Reuters)

More than 80 people were injured (Reuters)

Recap: 11 very seriously injured and 22 seriously injured in collision

07:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

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.

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-Cane

Recap: Train crash appears to have been a 'relatively slow speed collision', expert says

05:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

The 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-Cane

In 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

All trains were stopped on the line between Luton and Bedford (PA)

How have MPs responded to Bedford crash?

02:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane