Ticket inspector 'a hero' during fatal train crash

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Ticket inspector 'a hero' during fatal train crash34 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleAlex Pope ,Bedford Railway StationandRachael McMenemyEPA/ShutterstockA passenger has praised the actions of a ticket inspector in the aftermath of Friday's crashA ticket inspector was a "hero" in the aftermath of the fatal crash between two trains near Bedford, a passenger said. A train driver was killed and about 100 people were injured when two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services to London St Pancras collided at about 17:15 BST on Friday. Praising the inspector's actions, Mareks Grabovskis told the : "I could see he was in pain himself, but he was telling someone on the radio to close the lines, and checking if everyone else was OK.

"Disruption between London and Bedford is expected to last a week. The MP for Mid Bedfordshire, Blake Stephenson, told the 600m (1968ft) of track would need to be replaced. Grabovskis, who had got on the 16:40 Corby train, said: "I was about to board the first carriage, but there were too many people because the train only had four carriages, so at the last second I moved to the last carriage.

The Details

"He said he had gone flying when the collision happened, passed out and woke up on the floor to see people "covered in blood" and screaming. "It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life, and I know how fortunate I am to be here today," he added. Network RailEngineers are building a temporary road to remove the damaged trainsCommuters arriving at Bedford station on Monday said railway staff had been doing their best to offer support.

Network Rail said the line was expected to remain closed between Bedford and Luton for the rest of the week, until 28 June. There will be no GTR services north of Luton and no EMR services south of Bedford, with a limited rail replacement bus service in operation between Luton and Bedford. Alex Pope/BBCBernie Casey says he chose to work from home due to the travel times on bus replacement servicesBernie Casey usually travels from Bedford to London for work, but has been unable to travel due to delays.

He said: "I was up at 06:00 BST looking to attempt the journey, but it's not going to happen. It's a sad set of circumstances. "Casey said his journey on Friday had also been affected and it had taken nearly five hours to get back to Bedford.

What Experts Say

"I mean, my heart goes out to the people who were affected in the crash on Friday. "It's a very sad set of circumstances. "In fairness to people at the station, as soon as I arrived people were here to give advice and assistance in relation to how long my journey might take and that's informed my decision not to travel.

"Alex Pope/BBCCommuters are facing delays and replacement bus services while the lines are shutDo you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.