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.
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.
open image in galleryHere is everything we know about the train crash in Bedford so far:
How the train crash unfolded
The crash involving two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services took place at around 5pm Friday, when one smashed into the back of the other on the same line near Bedford.
A train driver was killed and 33 other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, British Transport Police said. A further 56 people sustained minor injuries.
The two trains involved were the 4.40pm from Corby and the 3.50pm from Nottingham, both to London St Pancras.
Most carriages of the two southbound trains remained on the tracks but at least one derailed.
open image in galleryThere was a huge emergency response to the crash, which happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6. It included multiple air ambulance helicopters and road vehicles.
EMR trains between Bedford and London St Pancras have been suspended until at least Monday.
Online train trackers show the rolling stock involved in the crash were a class 360 and class 810.
open image in galleryWhat caused the crash?
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and East Midlands Railway (EMR) are investigating the cause, but an official explanation has not yet been released.
Simon Calder, transport expert and The Independent’s former travel correspondent, 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 Sky News.
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.
open image in gallery“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,” Mr Calder added.
“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.”
What has the reaction been?
King Charles said he was “greatly saddened” by the incident and is being kept regularly updated on developments.
“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 said.
In a statement on X, Sir Keir Starmer added: “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.
open image in gallery“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
Other ministers and local politicians have said the crash is “very concerning” as they shared their condolences to those affected.
Secretary of state for transport Heidi Alexander issued a statement in immediate aftermath of the crash.
“I’m deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving 2 East Midlands Railway passenger trains,” she said.
“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.”