
One person has died and several others were injured after two passenger trains collided near Bedford, north of London, British Transport Police reported. 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.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Folarin Balogun received his second consecutive Man of the Match award for the United States Men's National Team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. This recognition followed his performance in the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Australia, which secured their place in the knockout stage. Balogun's pressure on Australian defenders led to an own goal by Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute. His movement, hold-up play, and link-up with teammates contributed to the co-hosts' control of the match. In his World Cup debut against Paraguay, Balogun scored two goals in a 4-1 win, becoming the first American to achieve a brace in a World Cup match since 1930 and earning his first Man of the Match honor. Balogun, born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised in England, chose to represent the United States internationally.

New Tunisia coach Herve Renard stated that only hard work and unity can save the team's World Cup campaign, emphasizing, "I am no wizard." Renard, 57, was appointed after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. Lamouchi is the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after one game. Renard, who has been nicknamed a "wizard" due to his past successes, including a 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup as Saudi Arabia coach, has had only three days with the team. Tunisia faces Japan in Monterrey, Mexico, on Saturday. Renard highlighted the need for a perfect collective game and noted that the team is determined and seeking revenge. He stressed that determination is essential and that success in football comes from hard work. Renard, who declined to reveal his lineup, called for rigor, discipline, and collective play as the team's only strength against Japan, which recently drew 2-2 with the Netherlands.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called an urgent meeting with native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses to address the escalating security situation in Edo State and Nigeria. The Benin Traditional Council, acting on the Oba's directive, issued a statement inviting all Igiohen N’ Ikpia and Igiohen N’ Ikhuo, traditional doctors in the Benin Kingdom, to an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 12 p.m. at the Oba’s palace. This initiative aims to explore traditional and strategic methods to support government efforts in restoring peace and security. Additionally, the Benin Traditional Council will host youth leaders, known as Okaighele, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the same time and venue. These meetings signify the palace's involvement in complementing security agencies amidst increasing kidnapping and cult-related violence in the state.