A train driver has died, and 89 passengers were injured, some with life-threatening wounds, following a collision between a Luton Airport Express train and a stationary East Midlands Railway service near Kempston, located between Luton and Bedford. The crash occurred at around 5.15 pm.
Emergency services quickly declared a major incident after the crash, prompting a rapid response and evacuation of passengers from the scene.
The collision involved the 3.50 pm Nottingham to St Pancras International train and the 4.40 pm Corby to London service. Reports indicate the crash happened after a safety fault with the stationary train’s Automatic Warning System, a safety mechanism designed to stop trains passing red signals, triggered an investigation. During the evacuation of passengers onto the tracks, the moving train collided with the stationary one.
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and 56 sustained minor wounds. Numerous emergency vehicles, including air ambulances, were dispatched to the scene near the Elstow interchange.
Witnesses described seeing bloodied passengers with major injuries such as broken legs and unconsciousness. Hospital officials urged the public to avoid the emergency department at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital unless critically necessary due to the high number of casualties.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey expressed devastation over the death of the driver, who was a former union representative, and sent condolences to the family and colleagues. ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe also offered sympathies to the driver’s family and praised the swift work of emergency teams.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended his thoughts to all those affected and thanked the emergency responders for their efforts. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander voiced deep concern and confirmed that a full investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is underway.
Rail experts noted the collision appeared to be a low-speed rear-end impact. Preliminary analysis is focusing on potential failures in signalling or driver error as causes of the crash.
The incident has led to the suspension of East Midlands Railway services on the London St Pancras route. Passengers have been warned of severe delays and advised to seek alternative routes. Replacement buses have been arranged to assist stranded commuters.
Local police and Bedfordshire fire crews have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency operations continue. Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin offered support via social media and pledged to share more information as it becomes available.
Families of passengers have been directed to collection points while rail services remain disrupted. British Transport Police continue their inquiry as the nation mourns one of its deadliest recent rail incidents.
Originally published by UKNIP.
