Statement from Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi following major incident - Bedfordshire

"Good afternoon – My name is Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi of the British Transport Police.

"At around 5.15pm last night we were called to reports of a collision between two East Midlands trains close to Elstow, Bedford. Tragically, the driver of one of the trains died in the collision. His family have been informed and our deepest condolences are with them, his friends and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway.  The driver’s family are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.

"Over 80 people were treated at hospital last night.  As of this morning 28 remain in hospital and nine are in a critical condition.  I’d like to thank the ambulance service and NHS for their response.

"There will be a lot of questions as to what exactly happened last night. I would like to reassure everyone that specialist investigators from British Transport Police are working with colleagues at the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to gather the facts and determine what has happened. They are extremely experienced and I would ask that we all refrain from speculation. 

"We declared a major incident last night and the emergency response was significant, involving a joint operation between ourselves, the Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services, Bedfordshire Police, the National Police Air Service and our colleagues at Network Rail and East Midlands Railway. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who responded for their incredible work in tragic and challenging circumstances. They were outstanding.

"I also want to thank local people who showed immense kindness to those stranded on trains and casualties.

"I will now pass you to my colleagues from East of England Ambulance Service for further information on their response."