Nine people in critical condition among 100 injured in fatal Bedford train crash

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Nine people in critical condition after train crash45 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLaura Devlin 'Like a bomb explosion': Bedford train passenger describes crashTwenty-eight people remain in hospital - nine of them in a critical condition - after a train crash near Bedford, police have said. A train driver was killed and 100 people injured when two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services to London St Pancras collided at 17:15 BST on Friday. Eleven people were very seriously injured, a further 32 were badly hurt and 57 had minor injuries, East of England Ambulance Service confirmed.

Speaking near the scene on Saturday, Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi of British Transport Police (BTP) said the crash was being investigated and asked people to refrain from speculating about what happened. She said the force's deepest condolences were with the driver's family, his friends, and his colleagues. "The driver's family, as you would expect, are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time," she added.

The Details

EPA/ShutterstockNetwork Rail and police remain at the crash siteBTP declared a major incident following the collision, which took place at about 17:15 BST, just south of Elstow, near the road interchange of the A421 and A6. EMR services to and from London St Pancras have been suspended throughout the weekend, with trains starting and ending journeys in Bedford. "There will of course be a lot of questions as to what happened last night," added D'Orsi.

"I would like to reassure everyone that specialist investigators from BTP 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. "PA MediaChief Constable Lucy D'Orsi praised the response from emergency services and local peopleShe praised all who responded to the incident for their "absolutely incredible work in tragic and challenging circumstances" and thanked local people who showed their "immense kindness" to passengers stranded on trains, and to casualties.

Multiple air ambulance helicopters, road vehicles and some 70 firefighters were involved in the immediate aftermath. Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, said it was on the scene with Network Rail and emergency services to ensure those affected got the care and support they needed. "This is a profoundly sad day for the rail community," he added.

What Experts Say

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union was "devastated" to learn the driver, a former RMT rep, had died. TOLGA AKMEN/EPA/ShutterstockThe two trains involved were the 16:40 EMR train from Corby and the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras service. Dr Peter Knapp, who was travelling in the front carriage of the train that went into the other, said: "When I got up, I saw all of the chairs everywhere.

It felt like I'd been in a bomb explosion.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.