Two southbound passenger trains collided on a stretch of railway south of Bedford, England, on Friday evening, killing a train driver and injuring 89 people, according to official figures. The crash, which occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time near the village of Elstow, involved an East Midlands Railway service from Corby and another from Nottingham, both bound for London St Pancras station. Emergency services, including more than 20 ambulances and six air ambulances, rushed to the scene, while British Transport Police declared a major incident.

Medical sources from the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that one person died at the location. Among the 89 casualties, 11 sustained very serious injuries, 22 were seriously hurt, and 56 suffered minor wounds. The most severely injured were transported to nearby hospitals, including Bedford Hospital, which had been placed on high alert to receive up to 50 patients. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) identified the fatality as a train driver and expressed deep concern over reports of serious harm to both crew and passengers.

Eyewitnesses described a sudden, violent impact without warning. Passengers reported being thrown from seats, with many suffering broken bones and facial lacerations. Video footage shared on social media showed the front of one train entangled with the rear of the other, at least one carriage derailed, and survivors gathering in a field beside the tracks. Rail operator East Midlands Railway suspended all services to and from London St Pancras for the remainder of the day, urging customers not to travel. Thameslink also blocked all lines between Luton and Bedford.

The cause remains under investigation but initial assessments point to a rear-end collision after the leading train stopped, possibly due to a safety system fault, according to preliminary reports cited by British media. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has deployed inspectors to gather evidence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the events “hugely concerning,” while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described herself as “deeply concerned.” Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area, and police warn that the provisional toll may be subject to change as inquiries continue.