Corby train involved in rail crash at Bedford
A train that serves Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough has been involved in a serious collision.
UPDATE 10pm – British Transport Police says one man has sadly died. EMAS said there are 11 who have very serious injuries, 22 people with serious injuries, and 56 people with minor injuries.
7pm – Reports from the scene say say that two trains were involved at the crash between Bedford and Luton.
Trains on that line serve Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough.
It’s thought the collision was between the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to St Pancras and the 4.40pm from Corby to the London station.
The Nottingham train appears to have collided into the back of the Corby train.
Serious injuries are being reported at the scene.
Earlier on, NNC Corby councillor Mark Pengelly was on a train stuck at Bedford but his train was not involved in the incident.
He said his thoughts are with all the families involved.
He said a firefighter travelling on his train had been sent to the major incident.
“The doors are locked and we can’t use toilet because it’s electric but obviously these things don’t matter given what’s happened.
“We’ve been told we can’t leave the train and it’s very hot but everyone is helping one another and hoping that those on the affected trains are ok.”
Kettering MP Rosie Wrighting said on social media: “Deeply concerned by reports of a train collision near Bedford this evening.
“As this is a route that serves Kettering, I know many people locally will be worried. My thoughts are with everyone involved, their loved ones, and the emergency services responding at the scene. Hoping for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected.“
His train was evacuated at 8.30pm and many of those injured from the crashed trains were evacuated at the same time and put on dozens of buses to Bedford Hospital or other destinations. Cllr Pengelly said there were many passengers covered in blood but able to walk.
All EMR trains this evening are cancelled.
Reports from the scene suggest there are multiple serious injuries but no official information has yet been released. If you are stranded on a train or at an EMR station, you can find comprehensive information on the travel disruption here. More follows.