- A train driver died and nine passengers are critical after Bedford crash.
- Emergency teams treated 89 injured people following a rush-hour rail collision.
- Investigators are using black box data to establish the crash facts.
A collision involving an East Midlands Railway service led to the death of a driver. Police have confirmed that nine people are in a critical condition after the event. Lucy D’Orsi, chief constable of British Transport Police, noted that 28 of the 80 plus injured people remained in hospital.
The impact happened Friday night during rush hour when a train rammed a slower one. 89 people suffered injuries in the crash, with 33 requiring urgent care. A teacher from Bedford, Brett Byatt, observed that most passengers in his carriage were hurt, including one woman who snapped her leg.
Nine people remain critical after the Bedford crash
Passenger seating was criticised as a factor in the injuries. Brett Byatt stated, «the way that they’re structured with seats was probably the worst way it could have been structured for a train crash». He mentioned that first class passengers suffered stomach and rib injuries from tables.
The response involved over 70 firefighters and officers. Paul Gates, strategic commander for the East of England ambulance service reported that 64 patients were transferred to hospital. This included 11 with very serious injuries and 32 with serious ones while others had minor wounds.
Technical data is being gathered by the rail accident investigations branch. Railway journalist Tony Miles explained that the signal system data recorder provides second-by-second data. He noted, «they will know every switch that was pressed» and every control activated in both trains.
Investigation teams are on site to collect evidence and determine the cause. The king was said to be greatly saddened by the tragedy. Specialist investigators are working to establish the facts of the incident while Network Rail expressed sadness over the colleague’s death.
