Rail passengers travelling between Bedford and Luton are being warned to expect significant disruption until the end of next week, following a train collision that occurred on Friday. Network Rail has advised that journeys on this route should only be undertaken if 'essential' due to the ongoing 'complex' recovery operation.
The incident involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains in the Bedford area, resulting in approximately 100 injuries and the tragic death of an EMR driver. The aftermath has led to a major operation to clear the damaged trains and carriages from the railway lines, which includes the removal of overhead electrical wires to allow for the safe deployment of a crane.
From Monday, no EMR services will operate between Bedford and London St Pancras. A reduced service is anticipated on EMR Intercity and Connect routes, with only one hourly train scheduled to run in each direction between Sheffield and Bedford, Nottingham and Bedford, and Corby and Kettering. Furthermore, EMR Luton Airport Express services will be suspended during the recovery period.
Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) services north of London St Pancras will terminate at Luton, with four trains running to and from London during peak hours and two outside of these times. A shuttle service from Bedford to Luton Airport Parkway will operate every 30 minutes starting Monday. Limited rail replacement buses will also be in operation, departing hourly between Kettering and Luton and Luton Airport Parkway. GTR has confirmed additional staff will be present at key stations to assist passengers.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, emphasised the collaborative effort with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those affected and aid the recovery. Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern Regional Managing Director, echoed this, stating that teams are working tirelessly on the challenging task of removing trains and repairing tracks to reopen the railway as quickly as possible. While investigations are in their early stages, current indications suggest this was a tragic, isolated incident.