Nine in critical condition after UK train crash that killed driver

Nine people remain in critical condition following a head-on collision between two passenger trains near Bedford, about 56 miles (90 km) north of London, according to British Transport Police. The crash on Friday evening killed one of the train drivers and sent more than 80 people to hospitals.

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said Saturday that 28 people are still hospitalized, nine of them in critical condition. She added that investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) are working to determine the cause of the incident.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander cautioned against speculation and promised a thorough investigation to ensure lessons are learned. The trains were both operated by East Midlands Railway (EMR) and were traveling toward London on the same track.

The East of England Ambulance Service reported 11 people with “very serious” injuries, 32 with serious injuries, and 56 with minor injuries. King Charles expressed sadness and offered condolences to the driver’s family and those injured.

Emergency services dispatched over 20 ambulances, six air ambulances, and specialist rescue teams to the scene. EMR managing director Will Rogers called it “a profoundly sad day for the railway community.” The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet said whether signaling issues played a role.