Bedford train collision: Driver dies, over 80 injured in East Midlands railway crash
A train driver died and more than 80 persons were injured after two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford, England
Bedford train collision: Two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford, north of London, on Friday evening, leaving one train driver dead and several passengers injured.
The accident happened at around 5.15 pm while both trains were travelling towards London St Pancras station. According to emergency officials, a major rescue operation was launched immediately after the crash.
The police confirmed one death in the mishap, who was later identified as one of the train drivers.
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…
The East of England Ambulance Service said 11 persons suffered critical injuries, while 22 others were seriously hurt. Another 56 passengers received minor injuries.
Passengers described frightening scenes inside the trains after the impact. Many people were thrown forward from their seats, while others suffered broken bones and cuts.
Photos shared on social media appeared to show the front of one train pushed into the back of another. Despite the impact, most of the carriages remained upright on the tracks.
Emergency crews, including an air ambulance and specialist rescue teams, rushed to the scene to help passengers and secure the area. Authorities asked the public to avoid the location while rescue and recovery work continued.
British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said she was deeply concerned by the incident. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased driver and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Following the crash, East Midlands Railway suspended all services to and from London St Pancras station for the rest of the day. The company said it was too early to confirm when normal train services would resume.