A formal investigation is underway following a high-impact collision between two London-bound trains near Bedford, which resulted in the death of a driver and left dozens of passengers injured. As of Saturday, nine individuals remain in critical condition, according to British Transport Police.
The incident occurred when the 4:40 p.m. service from Corby struck the rear of the 3:50 p.m. service from Nottingham. Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi confirmed that 28 people remained hospitalized as of Saturday afternoon. Paul Gates, deputy chief paramedic at the East of England Ambulance Service, reported that 54 people were transported to six different hospitals, with a total of 11 people sustaining very serious injuries and 32 suffering serious injuries.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is leading the probe into the cause of the crash. While the investigation is in its early stages, travel expert Simon Calder reported that the stationary train had halted due to a technical fault with the automatic warning system. Network Rail East’s regional managing director, Ellie Burrows, stated that the organization is assisting the RAIB and British Transport Police in what she described as a “complex recovery operation.”
King Charles and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have both issued statements expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and gratitude toward the emergency services for their rapid response.