Driver killed, dozens injured in UK train collision as police declare major incident VIDEO

A train driver has died and dozens of passengers have been injured after a collision between two passenger trains in Bedfordshire, in the east of England, authorities have confirmed.

The crash occurred at around 17:15 local time on June 19, prompting the British Transport Police to declare a major incident. Emergency services described a large-scale response to the scene, BBC reports.

The trains involved were operated by East Midlands Railway and were travelling on routes from Corby and Nottingham towards London St Pancras when the collision took place.

According to the East of England Ambulance Service, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. Eleven passengers were classified as very seriously injured, 22 sustained serious injuries, and a further 56 suffered minor injuries. All of the most seriously injured were transported to hospital.

The train drivers’ trade union, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, said it was “devastated” by the death of a driver and former union representative in the collision.

“We sent a large number of resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams, and six air ambulances. All patients with the most serious injuries have now been taken from the scene to hospital,” the East of England Ambulance Service  said. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the family of the deceased and those affected.

The cause of the collision has not yet been established. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has begun work at the scene as part of a formal inquiry into the incident.

Officials said a full investigation will be conducted to determine how the two trains came into contact.

By Sabina Mammadli