Nine critical after fatal UK train crash

A serious train crash near Bedford on Friday has left nine people in critical condition, with over 80 others receiving hospital treatment. The collision, which occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time, involved two passenger trains bound for London. Tragically, the driver of one of the services died at the scene.

Witnesses described a sudden and severe impact. Dr. Peter Knapp, who was on board one of the trains, reported that one carriage was off the rails and sustained minor injuries himself. He told the Press Association that some passengers were unable to speak and had suffered injuries, including broken legs.

British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi provided an update on Saturday, stating that 28 people remained in hospital, with nine in critical care. Investigators are actively working to establish the cause of the accident. Images from the scene show a crime scene manager examining an electrical box near the damaged tracks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident "devastating," while Buckingham Palace issued a statement conveying King Charles's deep sadness and his ongoing updates on the situation. The palace added that His Majesty's thoughts and sympathies are with the families of the deceased and all those injured or affected by the "tragic incident."

Reports suggest the collision involved services heading from Nottingham and Corby to London St Pancras International, with one train appearing to have hit the back of the other. The LBC news outlet reported this sequence of events.

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His Majesty is greatly saddened by the rail crash in Bedford yesterday evening and is being kept regularly updated on developments. His thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident.