Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Two Passenger Trains Collide South of Bedford

An on-site Rail Accident Investigation Branch inquiry follows the crash while the LutonBedfordLondon corridor remains closed.

Overview

  • Two passenger trains collided south of Bedford on Friday, June 19, in what early footage and witness accounts show as a rear-end impact after one train stopped with a reported fault.
  • Emergency services declared a major incident and deployed ambulances, air ambulances, fire crews, and police to evacuate and treat multiple injured passengers.
  • Officials have confirmed several people were hurt but casualty totals remain provisional and some media reports of a death and large injury counts are still being checked.
  • RAIB inspectors are on site collecting evidence including data recorders and signaling examinations to determine whether equipment, human error, or a systems fault caused the crash.
  • Train operators have suspended services between Luton, Bedford and London St Pancras for the rest of the day, creating widespread disruption on a key commuter and airport link and prompting union and ministerial concern.