EMR warns of disruption after fatal Bedford crash
Passengers travelling between the East Midlands and London have been warned to expect delays and cancellations for the next week, after two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford on Friday evening.
A train driver was killed and more than 100 passengers were injured in the incident, which involved the 16:40 EMR train from Corby and the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras service.
The railway is expected to remain closed between Bedford and Luton for the remainder of the week while a complex recovery operation is carried out, according to a statement issued by EMR over the weekend.
A reduced service will run between the East Midlands and the capital for the next week, with trains terminating at Bedford rather than London St Pancras, EMR says. Rail replacement buses will operate between Luton Airport Parkway and Luton,Bedford and Kettering, with connections for services towards Sheffield or Nottingham.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and colleagues of our driver who tragically lost their life. 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.
“We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. 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.”
“EMR will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras this week. Our regional routes remain unaffected. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work with our industry partners to restore services.”
According to EMR, a complex recovery operation is now under way to remove the damaged trains from the railway. Overhead lines are being removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation is constructed to support the operation of a crane.
Two 110 tonne rail-mounted cranes will then lift the trains and carriages from the site before a road-mounted crane moves them onto a low loader to be transported away by road. Following this, engineers will then assess the track and make any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines, and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director, said: “The past two days have been incredibly tough for everyone involved in this incident and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the friends, family and colleagues of the train driver who tragically lost their life as well as the passengers who have been impacted by this incident.
“Colleagues from across the rail industry are working together at pace to remove the trains and carriages from the railway and complete the repairs to the tracks. This is a complex and challenging task and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London.
“While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident. We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
“During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
