British Transport Police give update on UK train crash that killed one and injured 90
The British Transport Police have provided an update following yesterday's tragic train crash in Bedford which claimed the live of a driver.
In this morning's press conference, British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi confirmed that there are 28 people still in hospital with nine in a critical condition after the rail crash.
Over 80 people are said to have been treated in hospital last night with more treated at the scene following the rear-end collision between an airport express and an express train yesterday afternoon.
The driver of one of the trains is the only confirmed casualty from the collision thus far, with police launching an investigation into what happened and urging people not to speculate about the details of the crash online.
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A rail expert has already explained more about how the collision could have occurred, while prime minister Keir Starmer has called it 'hugely concerning' and said he was 'grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident'.
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), said: “We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died as a result of (Friday’s) crash between Luton and Bedford.
“The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the Aslef trade union at this awful time.”
Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said on Friday: “Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died in the crash near Bedford (on Friday) and with the passengers who were injured in the accident.
“We want to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly to help those on board.”
Even His Majesty the King has been left 'greatly saddened' by the incident following the collision between the two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services.
On Saturday, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is greatly saddened by the rail crash in Bedford yesterday evening and is being kept regularly updated on developments.
“His thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident.”
Passengers on the train have spoke about the terrifying aftermath of the collision, reporting serious bleeding and wounds after they were thrown around the carriage due to the impact of the crash.
Dr Peter Knapp, 40, said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke.
“People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.
“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”
Topics: UK News
James Moorhouse