Train Crash Near Bedford Kills Driver, Injures 100 in Major Incident
Two East Midlands Railway passenger trains collided south of Bedford on 19 June, killing one driver and leaving nine people in critical condition. Rail services remain severely disrupted.
Two passenger trains collided near Bedford on Thursday evening, 19 June 2026, in one of the most serious rail accidents in recent years. The crash occurred at approximately 5:12 PM BST at Elstow, just south of Bedford, when a Corby to London St Pancras service struck the rear of a Nottingham to London train that had stopped due to a fault.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The driver of one train was killed in the collision, and 100 people were injured. Nine passengers remain in critical condition, with 11 suffering very serious injuries, 32 seriously injured, and 57 with minor injuries. A major incident was declared, with Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital both warning people to avoid emergency departments unless absolutely necessary.
Passengers described scenes of chaos, with people "crying, screaming" and some suffering major injuries including broken bones and severe bleeding. The King expressed that he is "greatly saddened" by the crash and is being kept regularly updated.
Investigation and Service Disruption
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has dispatched inspectors to the scene. East Midlands Railway services between Bedford and London St Pancras remain suspended until at least Monday, 23 June. Pre-planned engineering works over the weekend of 20–21 June mean no services will run on this route during that period.
For foreigners and expats: If you rely on the East Midlands Railway route for travel between the Midlands and London, plan alternative transport for the coming days. Check National Rail Enquiries or the EMR website for the latest updates before travelling. Those with concerns about loved ones who may have been on the trains should contact British Transport Police.
Sources
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