'Number of people injured' as two trains collide near Bedford

A number of people have been injured after two trains collided between Luton and Bedford, the health secretary has said.

The incident happened on Friday evening, just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6.

A Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union spokesperson said serious injuries have reportedly been sustained by on-board staff and passengers.

Images from the scene show two damaged East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains still on the tracks. At least one is a Luton Airport Express train, with passengers seen gathered in neighbouring fields.

The roadblock close to the scene. / Credit: ITV Anglia

A major emergency response is underway, and health secretary James Murray said he was being kept updated on the collision.

The two trains involved in the collision at were the 4.40pm East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras service, the train operator said in a statement.

Witnesses said one train crashed into the back of another. One told ITV News Anglia they heard a “loud bang” and claimed, “passengers went flying”.

There is currently no Thameslink service running between Luton and Bedford, and Network Rail has urged passengers to delay travelling.

EMR trains are “unable to run in or out of” London St Pancras for the rest of the day, the service said.

It added: “Customers are advised DO NOT TRAVEL this evening”.

Passenger Pete Knapp said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.”

He said he saw people with “life-threatening, major injuries, minor injuries” as well as “people with bandages, people who couldn’t see straight”, while others like him were still able to walk.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” by the reports.

In a post on X, the transport secretary said: “I’m deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving 2 East Midlands Railway passenger trains.

“I’m grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected.

“We’re working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers.”

Bedfordshire Police said emergency services are at the scene on a stretch of the railway just south of Bedford.

“All lines through the area have been stopped,” the force said. “Please check your journey before you travel and allow plenty of extra time.

“We are asking for people to avoid the area and we will update when we can.”

This is a breaking story and is being updated, more follows