One dead, several injured in UK train collision near Bedford

A major incident was declared, with emergency services, including air ambulances, responding to the scene. The crash occurred south of Bedford, approximately 56 miles north of the UK capital. A passenger described being flung forward and witnessing smoke, with people crying and screaming, and some sustaining severe injuries.

Both trains were operated by East Midlands Railway EMR and were heading southbound towards London St Pancras station, one from Corby and the other from Nottingham. The collision caused disruptions, with trains unable to operate to or from London St Pancras for the remainder of the evening. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has deployed inspectors to gather evidence.

Train collisions are uncommon in Britain, with previous incidents including a 2023 collision in Scotland involving a heritage railway and a 2020 derailment near Stonehaven that resulted in three fatalities.