Dozens injured in train collision near London; emergency services respond

A major train collision occurred near Bedford on June 19, 2026, injuring over 50 people and disrupting services north of London. Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, rushed to the scene south of the Elstow junction, between the A421 and A6 roads.

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The train going south from Bedford collided at 5:12 PM. The front of the train is fine, the third carriage is derailed.

East Midlands Railway confirmed that its services between London St Pancras and Leicester were suspended due to the incident. Two passenger trains were involved: one traveling from Corby to London St Pancras and another from Nottingham to London St Pancras. The disruption was expected to last for the remainder of the day.

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I am fine, I have bloody legs and a blow to the back. Others are not fine. Sudden collision, without slowing or sirens. No warning. There was no explosion, we just stopped immediately.

Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene. Dr. Pete Knapp, a passenger, reported that his southbound train from Bedford collided with another train at 5:12 PM. He stated that the third carriage of his train derailed. Knapp, who sustained leg injuries and back pain, noted the sudden impact with no prior warning, sirens, or braking. He described seeing other passengers in severe distress, with some experiencing broken legs and others unable to speak.

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We are deeply concerned by reports of a train collision and the serious injuries sustained by train staff and passengers.

Health Minister James Murray was briefed on the situation, and the East of England Ambulance Service deployed air ambulances and hazardous area response teams. Authorities requested that relatives and friends of the injured refrain from coming to the accident site. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union expressed deep concern over the reports of injuries to both passengers and train staff.

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I am deeply concerned by reports of a collision involving two East Midlands Railway passenger trains. I am grateful to the emergency services who are on scene and assisting those affected. We are working urgently with the rail sector and local partners to provide support to passengers.