A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured following a collision between two trains in the Bedford area on Friday afternoon. The British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident after the crash, which occurred around 17:15 BST. Eleven people sustained very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 suffered minor injuries, according to the East of England Ambulance service.

The incident involved two southbound East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, both en route to London St Pancras. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Union RMT expressed devastation at the news of the driver's death, identifying him as a former RMT representative. "We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died," the BTP stated. East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras were suspended for the remainder of Friday evening, with disruption expected to continue into Saturday.

Passengers described a scene of chaos. Dr. Peter Knapp, who was in the front carriage of one of the trains, told the BBC it felt "like a bomb explosion." He reported seeing "bloodied faces and people's legs looked broken" amidst smoke. Another passenger, Shola Mene, recounted hearing a "big bang" and seeing people thrown from their seats, with "a lot of blood" and "facial injuries."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated she was "deeply concerned" and that her thoughts were with those affected, particularly the injured and their families. The collision has raised immediate questions about railway safety protocols and the operational circumstances leading to the crash.

Emergency services, including the East of England Ambulance service and BTP, responded rapidly to the scene. Images from the location suggest significant damage, with at least one carriage appearing to be shunted off the tracks.

This incident marks a significant disruption for rail travel in the region, impacting commuters and long-distance travelers alike. The investigation into the cause will likely focus on signaling, track conditions, and the operational procedures of the trains involved.

Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and authorities release more information regarding the sequence of events and the factors contributing to this tragic collision.