UNIPA News(London)20 June-A train driver was killed and at least 33 people were seriously injured after two passenger train services collided near Bedford in southeast England on Friday, prompting authorities to declare a major incident.

According to East Midlands Railway (EMR), its 16:40 service from Corby to London St Pancras collided with the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras service at Bedford South.

EMR confirmed that the collision resulted in the death of one of its drivers and caused multiple injuries among passengers aboard the trains.

Emergency services launched a large-scale response to the incident. More than 20 ambulances, six air ambulances and specialist hazardous area response teams were deployed to the scene to assist victims and support rescue operations.

Several injured passengers were treated at the site, while those with serious injuries were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities reported that at least 33 people sustained serious injuries in the crash.

One passenger described the impact as feeling like a “bomb explosion,” stating that he witnessed injured passengers with bloodied faces and apparent broken limbs amid smoke-filled carriages.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences following the incident, describing the collision as “hugely concerning.” He thanked emergency responders for their swift action and extended sympathies to the family of the deceased driver and those injured in the crash.

EMR Managing Director Will Rogers said railway officials were working alongside Network Rail and emergency services to support those affected and manage the ongoing response.

He added that once immediate assistance efforts are completed, investigators will work to determine the cause of the collision in cooperation with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

Rail services in the affected area were disrupted following the incident as authorities continued recovery and investigation operations.