A UK train driver has died and nine people remain in critical condition following a devastating train collision in Bedford, England, on Friday.
According to authorities, a total of 89 people were injured in the crash, while 28 victims are still receiving treatment in hospital. The collision involved the train from Corby and the service from Nottingham.
Investigations are still going on to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, railway systems consultant Peter Hicks, who analysed publicly available tracking data, said the Corby train appears to have collided with the rear of the Nottingham service.
Bedford train crash: Police confirm nine in critical condition
His analysis suggests that the Corby train stopped at Bedford station before continuing its journey and moving onto the fast line. Meanwhile, the Nottingham train, which did not stop at Bedford, was reportedly held at a signal ahead. The Corby train then found itself travelling directly behind the stationary service before the collision occurred.
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Passengers described scenes of panic and devastation. Mareks Grabovskis, who was on board the Corby train, said he was thrown across the carriage by the impact.
“I passed out and woke up on the floor. People were screaming and some were covered in blood,” he recalled, describing the incident as one of the most terrifying moments of his life.
He also praised a ticket inspector for remaining calm and helping passengers despite being injured himself.
Network Rail has warned that the recovery operation will be complex and confirmed that no train services will run between London St Pancras and Bedford throughout the weekend.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said a full investigation would be carried out to establish how the crash happened and whether safety systems failed.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed sympathy for those affected. He said he had spoken with the East of England Ambulance Service and thanked emergency responders, air ambulance crews and NHS staff for their efforts under difficult circumstances.
Authorities, including the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, have launched a detailed inquiry into the tragedy as families await answers about one of the country’s most serious rail accidents in recent years.
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