BEDFORD, ENGLAND — Emergency services are responding to a serious rail incident after two passenger trains collided near Bedford on Friday evening, causing major disruption across key routes and reports of multiple injuries.
British Transport Police confirmed they are investigating a “collision involving two trains” on the railway line between Luton and Bedford. The incident occurred during peak evening travel hours, prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
Early reports suggest the collision involved two East Midlands Railway passenger services operating routes between Nottingham, Corby, and London St Pancras International. The trains are believed to have collided in the Bedford area, roughly 2 to 3 miles south of Bedford station, although officials have not yet confirmed the exact location.
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, paramedics, and air ambulance teams, were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Authorities declared a major incident due to the number of passengers involved and the scale of the response required.
Rail operators confirmed that all lines between Luton and Bedford have been closed until further notice. Services on major routes, including London St Pancras to Leicester, have been suspended or severely disrupted, with passengers advised to avoid travel and seek alternative arrangements where possible.
Witnesses described a sudden impact inside the carriages, with some passengers reporting injuries in the immediate aftermath of the collision. While multiple people are believed to have been hurt, officials have not yet confirmed the total number or severity of injuries.
British Transport Police and emergency responders have urged the public to stay away from the area while rescue and recovery operations continue. Investigators are expected to begin a full examination of the cause once the scene has been secured.
The situation remains ongoing, and authorities say further updates will be released as verified information becomes available.
For now, officials continue to focus on assisting passengers and managing the significant disruption across the rail network.