Train collision near Bedford, London; One dead, more than 80 injured

At least one person was killed and many others were injured after two passenger trains collided north of London on Friday (June 19), prompting a major emergency response and widespread disruption to rail services.

Emergency services declared a major incident after the crash near Bedford, with police confirming that one person had died and numerous others sustained injuries.

Major incident declared

According to authorities, the collision occurred at around 5:15 p.m. local time outside the town of Bedford. Both trains were travelling south toward London's St. Pancras station when the crash took place.

"We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died," police said in a statement.

"A major incident has been declared, and officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services."

Emergency crews, including an air ambulance and specialist hazardous incident teams from the East of England Ambulance Service, were dispatched to the site.

More than 80 people injured

The East of England Ambulance Service said the collision resulted in a large number of casualties.

According to the service:

-11 people suffered very serious injuries

-22 people sustained serious injuries

-56 people suffered minor injuries

Medical teams treated passengers at the scene before transporting the most seriously injured to nearby hospitals.

Passenger describes chaotic scenes

Passenger Peter Knapp, who was travelling on the rear train, said the collision happened suddenly without warning.

"There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke," Knapp said.

"People were crying, screaming. People were so scared and confused."

Describing the aftermath, he added: "I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs."

"And then I managed to get out of the train and because I'm quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors."

Images show large-scale rescue operation

Photos and videos shared on social media showed dozens of passengers gathered near the tracks alongside a significant emergency response.

Some passengers appeared to be receiving medical attention, while others waited near emergency vehicles parked alongside the railway line.

Rail operators confirm trains involved

Rail operator East Midlands Railway confirmed that the collision involved:

-The 4:40 p.m. service from Corby to London St. Pancras

-The 3:50 p.m. service from Nottingham to London St. Pancras

The company said it was working closely with emergency services and investigators.

Rail services suspended

Following the crash, East Midlands Railway cancelled all services to and from London St. Pancras for the remainder of Friday.

The operator said it was unable to confirm whether normal services would resume on Saturday as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the RMT union, which represents railway workers, said it was closely monitoring developments and expressed concern over reports of serious injuries among both passengers and rail staff.

Investigation underway

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Officials have not yet disclosed what caused the crash, and railway investigators are expected to examine signalling systems, train movements and other operational factors.

(With AP inputs)