A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured after two trains collided in the Bedford area in England.
Of those injured, 11 people had “very serious” injuries and 22 were seriously injured, according to the East of England Ambulance Service. Another 56 people had minor injuries and were treated either at the scene or taken to hospital.
Air ambulance helicopters were present on the ground after the collision, which happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6.
People were advised to avoid local hospital emergency departments unless they were suffering from a genuine emergency.
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT union, said they were deeply saddened to hear that a train driver and former RMT representative died in the crash between Luton and Bedford. He said RMT’s thoughts were with the person’s family, friends, colleagues, and the ASLEF union at this very difficult time.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X that reports of a crash involving two passenger trains near Bedford were very concerning. He said his thoughts were with the family of the person who died and with those who were seriously injured.
Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
I am grateful to the emergency services for…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 19, 2026
