Bedford Rail Emergency As Train Crash Brings Services To A Halt

Emergency services are responding to a major railway incident near Bedford after reports that two trains have collided.

British Transport Police confirmed it was dealing with reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area, while other emergency services have also been called to the scene. The incident has brought trains to a halt between Luton and Bedford, with all lines currently closed while the response continues.

The disruption is affecting East Midlands Railway and Thameslink services, with trains running between London St Pancras International and Bedford or Leicester subject to cancellation or revision. Passengers are being urged not to travel through the affected area unless absolutely necessary.

There is currently no Thameslink service between Luton and Bedford. Those planning to travel through the area are being strongly advised to delay their journeys, with severe delays expected for anyone who cannot postpone their trip.

British Transport Police said:

“We're responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area. We'll share more information as soon as possible.”

The East of England Ambulance Service said it had sent a number of resources to the scene, including an air ambulance and its Hazardous Area Response Team.

East of England Ambulance Service said:

“We have sent a number of resources, including air ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team, to a major incident on the railway south of Bedford. We encourage people to avoid the area. Further updates will be provided in due course. Please only call 999 in an emergency.”

Bedfordshire Police have also urged people to stay away from the area while the emergency response continues.

Bedfordshire Police said:

“Emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident on the railway line just south of Bedford. All lines through the area have been stopped. 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. Thank you.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was deeply concerned by reports of the collision and thanked those responding at the scene.

Heidi Alexander 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.”

National Rail has warned that major disruption is expected until the end of the day. Passengers are being advised to check their journeys using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner before setting off.

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