Bedford train collision latest: Emergency services dealing with ‘serious incident’ as all lines blocked

Bedford train collision latest: Emergency services dealing with ‘serious incident’ as all lines blocked Reports suggested those on board suffered serious injuries - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Emergency services are dealing with an incident on a railway line south of Bedford following reports that two trains have collided. British Transport Police confirmed they are responding to reports of a collision in a statement on social media. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said in a post on X that crews were in attendance at an incident on the railway south of Bedford. They urged people to avoid the area. A spokesperson for rail operator Thameslink is "strongly" urging people not to travel until later today. "If you cannot delay your journey, please note that you will be severely delayed and will likely need to use an alternative route to reach your destination." MP 'very concerned' by reports of collision Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin said he is “very concerned” by reports of a collision involving two trains this evening. He told The Telegraph: “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. “I will continue to follow the situation closely as more information becomes available.” Bedfordshire Police urge people to avoid the area Bedfordshire Police has also confirmed its officers are responding to an incident involving a train between Luton and Bedford. In a statement the force urged people to avoid the area of the collision. “Emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident on the railway line just south of Bedford,” the force said in a statement. “All lines through the area have been stopped. Please check your journey before you travel and allow plenty of extra time. “We are asking for people to avoid the area and we will update when we can. Thank you.” Passengers 'strongly advised' to delay journeys on affected lines We’ve just heard from Network Rail, who are “strongly advising” passengers to delay their journeys on affected lines. A Network Rail spokesperson, said: "Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Luton and Bedford. "There is currently no Thameslink service between Luton and Bedford. If you're planning a journey in this area, it is strongly advised that you delay your journey. "Services between Luton and London are significantly disrupted. We advise customers to seek alternative travel arrangements." Police responding to reports of a collision, British Transport Police confirm British Transport Police have confirmed they are responding to reports of a train collision this evening in a statement on social media. In a post on X they wrote: “We're responding to reports of a collision involving two trains in the Bedford area. “We'll share more information as soon as possible.” Major disruption expected until the end of the day Major disruption is expected on Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services until the end of the day, according to National Rail. In a statement on their website they said: “The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Luton and Bedford. Whilst they carry out their work, all lines are closed. As a result, trains between London St Pancras International and Bedford / Leicester may be cancelled or revised. “Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.” Emergency services dealing with serious incident after reports of train collision Emergency services are dealing with an incident on a railway line south of Bedford following reports that two trains have collided. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said in a post on X that crews were in attendance at an incident on the railway south of Bedford. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] 90 POLICE POLIO