Nine in critical condition after deadly Bedford train crash

20 Jun 2026 • 11:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Nine in critical condition after deadly Bedford train crash

  • A collision between two London-bound passenger trains near Bedford on Friday resulted in the death of a train driver and left nine people in critical condition, with over 80 others injured.
  • As of Saturday afternoon, 28 individuals remained hospitalised following the incident, which occurred when the 4:40pm service from Corby struck the rear of the 3:50pm train from Nottingham.
  • Initial reports indicate the crash was caused by a technical fault with the automatic warning system on the rail lines, leading to the front train stopping and the second train colliding with it.
  • Passengers described a devastating aftermath, with severe injuries including broken bones and profuse bleeding, and some initially feared a terrorist attack due to the force of the impact.
  • King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer expressed their condolences, while British Transport Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and other rail authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision.

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