Passengers have been left covered in blood with serious injuries after a train smashed into a stationary one following a safety fault.
The incident occurred around Kempston between Luton and Bedford, at about 5.15pm where two East Midlands Railway trains smashed into one another.
A horrifying video taken at the scene shows passengers on board injured and covered in blood while the carriages are still on the tracks.
It involved the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to St Pancras International and the 4.40pm Corby to the major London station.
It is said a Luton Express train collided due to a fault in the safety system called Automatic Warning System, which stops trains if they pass red signals.
East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras have been suspended for the rest of the day and commuters can expect severe delays to their journeys.
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.’
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
Five air ambulance helicopters and a police helicopter were at the scene, including more than 30 emergency vehicles and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
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 2 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.’
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.
