Nine people remain in critical condition after a train collision near Bedford in central England, according to British Transport Police. The crash, which occurred on Friday evening, also claimed the life of a train driver. The incident has raised serious concerns over rail safety and triggered a major investigation.
Authorities said two passenger trains heading towards London collided at around 5:15pm local time. The impact left one carriage derailed and caused multiple injuries among passengers. More than 80 people were taken to hospital for treatment following the crash.
By Saturday morning, officials confirmed that 28 people remained in hospital, with nine in critical condition. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the collision. Emergency teams and rail authorities continue to examine the crash site.
I just spoke with the CEO of the East of England Ambulance Service Trust following yesterday’s train crash.
I expressed my gratitude to the air ambulance crews, the emergency services who responded under extremely difficult circumstances, as well as the NHS staff taking care of…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 20, 2026
Passengers described a sudden and violent impact, with reports of severe injuries including broken limbs. Some witnesses said carriages were damaged but remained largely upright after the collision. The British Transport Police have launched a detailed forensic investigation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating,” while King Charles expressed condolences to the families of those affected. Authorities said both trains were traveling on routes towards London St Pancras International, and early reports suggest one service struck the rear of another. The investigation is ongoing.