East Midlands rail users to face week of disruption

Rail users in the East Midlands have been warned disruption to services will continue for several more days after a train driver died and 100 people were injured in a crash near Bedford.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said its 16:40 service from Corby to London St Pancras was involved in a collision with the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras train.

British Transport Police declared a major incident on Friday and on Saturday Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi said 28 people remained in hospital and nine were in a critical condition.

On Sunday Network Rail advised passengers to expect disruption until 28 June, with no EMR services running between Bedford and London St Pancras until at least Friday.

From Monday, the body said there would be one train per hour between Sheffield and Bedford, calling at Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering and Bedford.

It added there would be one train per hour between Nottingham and Bedford, calling at Beeston, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough and Bedford.

EMR has advised passengers to check a dedicated page on its website for the latest updates on affected services.

Paul Gates, strategic commander for the East of England Ambulance Service, said 64 patients were transported to hospital on Friday, with more than 20 ambulances dispatched to the scene along with six air ambulances and specialist hazardous area rescue teams.

Network Rail said on Sunday a "complex recovery operation" had begun to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway before engineers assess any damage and complete necessary repairs.

It said the overhead line equipment – the electrical wires that provide power to the electric trains – needed to be removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation was constructed to support the operation of a crane.

The body added two rail-mounted Kirow Cranes would then lift the trains and carriages from the site before they are transported away by road.

Following this, engineers will assess the track and make any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.

Will Rogers, managing director for East Midlands Railway, said the operator's "thoughts and heartfelt condolences" remained with the family of the driver who died in the crash.

"We are also thinking of those who were injured, their loved ones, and all colleagues and customers affected by this incident. I would also like to thank our teams on the ground and the emergency services again for all their efforts," he said.

"Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR's Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.

"As the recovery progresses, we will continue to provide updates and encourage customers to check our dedicated webpage for details."

Network Rail said while the line remains closed at Bedford, other train operators are accepting tickets for EMR customers.

For customers whose journey is affected, tickets will be accepted on any alternative route.

If customers decide to travel on EMR once the line is reopened, their connecting ticket on other operators will also be valid on that other day too.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: "My thoughts are with any impacted passengers and staff members aboard and I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the emergency services for their fast response.

"The Department for Transport is working with our emergency services, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to ensure passengers and railway staff members are supported in the best way possible."

Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, said she was "shocked and horrified" by the crash, and her thoughts were with staff and passengers affected.

Leicester South MP Shockat Adam said: "My condolences are with the driver who lost their life, and with their family, friends and colleagues.

"I am grateful to the emergency services for their response and will be following the investigation very closely.

"I understand there were likely passengers from Leicester on board. Please know that I am available to offer support wherever needed."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.