A collision between two passenger trains south of Bedford, about 90 km north of London, is reported to have killed one person and left dozens more injured. Emergency services were called late Friday afternoon (around 17:15 local time) to the rail line near Bedford after reports of the crash. East Midlands Railway (EMR) says the trains were running on routes that included Corby and Nottingham. Eyewitnesses described a sudden impact, smoke, and passengers suffering injuries including fractures.

Ambulance services from East Anglia confirm the response to what they call a “serious incident,” including sending many resources. Reported casualty figures include 1 death at the scene and, among the injured, at least 11 people with “very serious” injuries, with additional patients listed as seriously and lightly injured. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, says the situation is “extremely worrying” and expresses condolences to the family of the person who died while wishing the injured well.

Authorities are investigating. The British Transport Police says the deceased is the driver of one of the trains. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) says an investigation team is at the scene to begin collecting evidence. Some reports and social media images show both trains remaining on the tracks after the crash.