Passengers suffered injuries including bloodied faces and broken legs after one train struck another that was stationary, in what has been linked to a safety system failure.
The crash happened near Kempston, between Luton and Bedford, at around 5.15pm, when two East Midlands Railway services collided.
Footage from the scene captures the aftermath inside the train, showing injured passengers with visible blood as the damaged carriages remained on the tracks.
The trains involved were the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to St Pancras International and the 4.40pm service from Corby to the central London terminus.
Reports indicate the collision involved a Luton Airport Express train and may have been caused by a fault in the Automatic Warning System, a safety mechanism designed to stop trains that pass red signals. Inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have arrived at the scene to collect evidence.
East Midlands Railway has suspended services to and from London St Pancras for the remainder of the day, with passengers being warned to expect major disruption and severe delays.
A witness at the crash described the injuries some people have been faced with as a result of the crash.
He told the BBC: ‘When I got up I saw all of the chairs everywhere, it felt like I’d been in a bomb explosion. I saw people’s bloodied faces and broken legs. There was smoke everywhere. Some people were spitting out blood… I can’t sit down because my back hurts so much.’
Two trains have crashed into each other causing serious injuries and bloodied passengers on board (seen)
The train going to Corby appears to have collided into the back of the Nottingham train
The incident reportedly occurred around Kempston between Luton and Bedford, at about 5.15pm where two East Midlands Railway trains smashed into one another
One passenger wrote on Bluesky that the front of the train was ok but the third carriage was ‘off the rails’.
He added: ‘I’m ok with bloody legs and back impact. Others are not good. Sudden crash, no slowing down or horns. No warning. No explosion, just stopped instantly.’
Five air ambulance helicopters and a police helicopter were at the scene, including more than 30 emergency vehicles.
Bedfordshire hospital is said to be expecting at least 50 casualties.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has said she is ‘deeply concerned’ after learning of the incident.
She said: ‘I’m deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving two East Midlands Railway passenger trains.
‘I’m grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected. We’re working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers.’
Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said in a Facebook post: ‘I’m very sorry to hear there has been a train collision between Bedford and Luton. Emergency services are at the scene. I will try to share more details soon.’
Thameslink said: ‘All lines are blocked between Luton and Bedford. This is due to a problem under investigation.
‘If you cannot delay your journey, please note that you will be severely delayed and will likely need to use an alternative route to reach your destination.’
Replacement buses have been requested, they added.
Several emergency services were at the scene
A horrifying video taken at the scene shows passengers on board injured while the carriages are still on the tracks
Crew from Bedfordshire fire service were at the scene and have advised the public to avoid the area.
British Transport Police said shortly before 6.45pm: ‘We’re responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area. We’ll share more information as soon as possible.
‘We understand that people are concerned about relatives or friends who may have been travelling on the trains involved in the incident near Bedford. We’re asking people not to travel to the scene and await further updates from emergency services.’
The fire and rescue service said: ‘Crews are currently in attendance at an incident on the railway just south of Bedford. Please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation.’
A Rail, Maritime and Transport union spokesperson said: ‘We are deeply concerned by reports of a train collision between Bedford and Luton and the serious injuries sustained by on-board train staff and passengers.
‘The thoughts of the whole union are with those affected and we continue to monitor the situation.’
EMR said: ‘Emergency crews are dealing with an incident between London St Pancras and Leicester.’
British Transport Police have been contacted for comment.
