Nine left in critical condition after UK train collision that killed driver | Transport News
Passenger Train Collision Near Bedford Leaves One Dead, Many Injured
More than 80 people received medical treatment following the incident, with 28 individuals still hospitalized.
BEDFORD, England (AP) — At least nine individuals remain in critical condition following a collision between two passenger trains near Bedford, approximately 56 miles north of London. The crash, which occurred Friday night, also resulted in the death of one train driver.
The British Transport Police reported on Saturday that over 80 people required hospital treatment after the incident. Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi stated that as of Saturday morning, 28 victims remained hospitalized, with nine in critical condition.
D’Orsi indicated that specialist investigators from the British Transport Police are collaborating with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to establish the facts surrounding the crash.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that it is “too early to speculate” on the cause of the collision, assuring that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure that lessons are learned from this tragedy.
The crash involved two London-bound trains traveling on the same track, according to East Midlands Railway (EMR), the operator of both services. Authorities confirmed that the driver of one of the trains was pronounced dead at the scene.
King Charles expressed his “great sadness” over the incident in a statement released by Buckingham Palace, extending his thoughts and sympathies to the deceased driver’s family and those injured.
The East of England Ambulance Service reported that 11 individuals sustained “very serious” injuries, while 32 others incurred serious wounds and 56 sustained minor injuries.
Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, described the day as “a profoundly sad day for the railway community.” He expressed condolences for the loss of the driver and the injuries others suffered, and affirmed that EMR would fully support the RAIB investigation.
Emergency response teams included more than 20 ambulances, specialist hazardous area rescue teams, and six air ambulances that were deployed to the scene on Friday.
As investigations continue, officials have yet to confirm whether signaling issues were a contributing factor in the incident.
