London [UK], June 22: Twenty eight people remain in hospital, nine of them in a critical condition, after two trains collided near Bedford, police have said.
The crash, which killed a train driver, involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, one smashing into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5 pm (1600 GMT) on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference near the scene on Saturday, British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi said: "Tragically, the driver of one of the trains died in the collision. "His family have been informed and our deepest condolences are with them, his friends, and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway.
"The driver's family, as you would expect, are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.
"Over 80 people were treated at hospital last night.
"As of this morning, 28 remain in hospital, and nine are in a critical condition." D'Orsi thanked emergency service teams and railway staff for their response to the incident, adding: "I also want to thank local people who showed immense kindness to those stranded on trains and to the casualties. " Paul Gates, strategic commander at the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "Tragically, as you just heard, one person sadly died at the same 11 people sustained very serious injuries, and a further 32 serious injuries. "A further 56 others also suffered minor injuries - those with less serious injuries were treated on scene or conveyed to hospital as required."
Andy Hopkinson, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer, said more than 70 fire officers had been involved in the response, adding that there had been no fire during the incident. The two trains involved were the 4:40 pm departure from Corby and the 3:50 pm departure from Nottingham, both to London St Pancras.
East Midlands Railway's managing director Will Rogers said it was a "profoundly sad day for the railway community" and that the company was supporting the investigation into the incident.
He said "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with family, friends, and colleagues of our driver and everybody else who has been injured or affected by this tragic incident. "Our priority is the welfare of everybody involved and we are here for customers and our colleagues."
He added: "We're fully supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigation and our thoughts are firmly with the family and loved ones of our colleague and everybody injured or affected by this tragic incident.
Source: Qatar Tribune
