Emergency services are at the scene of an incident on the railway line just south of Bedford. All lines through the area have been stopped while emergency services assess the situation.
Rail operators are urging passengers to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
Emergency response
The incident happened shortly after 5pm on Friday evening.
Emergency services, including specialist rail response teams, are at the scene.
At the time of publication, no official information had been released regarding injuries.
However, passengers at the scene have reported that some people may have been injured. These reports have not yet been confirmed by emergency services or rail operators.
Two trains involved
Videos shared on social media by passengers appear to show two East Midlands Railway trains involved in the incident.
Rail data reviewed by national media suggests the incident involved the 3.50pm East Midlands Railway service from Nottingham to London St Pancras and the 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras.
Train-tracking information indicates the incident occurred approximately 2½ miles south of Bedford station.
Neither Network Rail nor East Midlands Railway had officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident at the time of publication.
Eyewitness account
One passenger, Dr Pete Knapp, posted on social media that he was on board one of the trains involved.
He wrote: “Train heading south from Bedford crashed at 17:12. Front of train ok, third carriage off rails.
“I’m ok with bloody legs and back impact. Others are not good. Sudden crash, no slowing down or horns. No warning.
“No explosion, just stopped instantly.”
The Bedford Independent has not independently verified the account.
Calls to avoid speculation
Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford & Kempston (Labour), has issued a statement saying his thoughts are with everyone involved.
He also urged people not to speculate while emergency services respond and the circumstances surrounding the incident are established.
“I am very concerned by the early reports of an incident this evening just outside Bedford and Kempston, involving two Midland Mainline trains travelling towards London.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, their families, and all those who may be affected. I want to thank the emergency services and railway staff who are responding to the incident.
“At this stage, details are still emerging, and I would urge people not to speculate about what has happened. It is important that the emergency services are able to do their work and that the facts are properly established.”
Travel disruption
People are being asked to avoid the area while emergency services remain at the scene.
Rail passengers should check with their operator before travelling.
This is a breaking news story; further updates will be provided when more information is available.
