A train driver has died and 89 people have been injured following a collision between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services near Bedford on Friday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 17:15 BST, has been declared a major incident by the British Transport Police (BTP).

Both trains involved were southbound services travelling to London St Pancras. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. The East of England Ambulance service reported that of the 89 injured, 11 sustained very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and 56 suffered minor injuries.

Passengers described scenes of chaos and devastation. One traveller, Dr. Peter Knapp, who was in the front carriage of one of the trains, likened the impact to a "bomb explosion." He reported seeing "bloodied faces and people's legs looked broken" amidst smoke-filled carriages. Another passenger, Shola Mene, heard a "big bang" and saw people thrown from their seats, with many sustaining facial injuries.

The collision happened just south of Elstow, near the A421 and A6 road interchange. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene. Images from the aftermath show two damaged trains, with most carriages remaining on the tracks, though at least one appears to have been shunted off.

The RMT union expressed devastation at the news of the driver's death, identifying him as a former union representative. The union's general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, stated they were "devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died in the crash."

Details on the specific trains involved indicate they were the 16:40 service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 service from Nottingham to London St Pancras. The focus of the investigation will likely be on how the two trains came to collide on the same stretch of track.

Emergency responders worked to assess and treat the injured at the scene, with some passengers being taken to hospital. The immediate aftermath was marked by confusion among those involved as services were halted and emergency procedures initiated.

Authorities are appealing for information as the investigation into the cause of the crash gets underway. The incident has disrupted rail services in the region, with significant delays and cancellations expected.