Latest travel advice for South Yorkshire as person dies in 'tragic' train crash
British Transport Police have declared it a major incident
Travel is expected to be disrupted throughout the weekend as investigations into a train crash that killed one and injured dozens more continue.
Lines between Sheffield and London St Pancras remain blocked after the incident near Bedfordshire at around 5.15pm today.
Travellers are being advised to check their journeys before departing, as National Rail warn that ongoing investigations could continue for the rest of the weekend.
Anyone in Sheffield heading to the capital city is advised to head to Doncaster, and catch the train from there to London Kings Cross.
An update from National Rail adds: “is likely to take between 2 and 2.5 hours to complete this journey.
“LNER, who run the trains between Doncaster and London Kings Cross recommend booking a seat reservation.”
The collision yesterday involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains, with a driver tragically dying as a result.
On X (formerly Twitter), EMR wrote: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that yesterday the 16:40 EMR service from Corby to London St Pancras was involved in a collision with the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras service at Bedford South.
“Tragically, this incident resulted in the fatality of an EMR driver and a number of injuries to passengers on board.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with their family, friends and colleagues, as well as everyone else affected by this incident. We are continuing to work closely with Network Rail and the emergency services.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his condolences with all those affected, adding: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
British Transport Police are asking people to avoid the area as emergency services continue to respond.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing. We're working at pace to establish exactly what's happened and will provide further information as soon as we are able to".
“Officers from British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police are on scene with colleagues from the local authority to assist any members of the public concerned about loved ones.”