Rail passengers in Luton face days of major disruption after operators confirmed services from Leagrave to Bedford will remain suspended following Friday’s fatal train collision near Elstow.
The Midland Main Line between Luton and Bedford is expected to remain closed for most of the week while a complex recovery and repair operation takes place at the crash site.
The collision between two East Midlands Railway trains near Bedford claimed the life of East Midlands Railway driver Shaun Burton, 60, and left dozens of passengers injured. Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.
For Luton residents, the closure means there will be no Thameslink services north of Luton and no East Midlands Railway services south of Bedford until at least Friday.
Leagrave station will be among four stations with no Thameslink service, alongside Harlington, Flitwick and Bedford.
Passengers travelling from Leagrave will instead need to use replacement bus services. Rail operators are warning that replacement buses will have very limited capacity and passengers should expect significantly longer journeys.
East Midlands Railway’s Luton Airport Express services have also been suspended while the recovery operation continues. Passengers travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and London St Pancras can use Thameslink services at no extra cost, while replacement buses are operating between Luton Airport Parkway, Bedford, Wellingborough and Kettering.
A stopping replacement bus service is running between Luton and Bedford via Leagrave, Harlington and Flitwick, while a semi-fast service operates between Luton Airport Parkway and Bedford, calling only at Luton.
Train operators have urged passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary.
Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and colleagues of our driver who tragically lost their life.
“We are also thinking of those who were injured, their loved ones, and all colleagues and customers affected by this incident.
“We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR’s Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.”
Louis Rambaud, chief customer officer for Thameslink operator Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “It has been an incredibly difficult time for the whole railway family, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident, particularly the family, friends and colleagues of the person who has tragically died, and all those who have been injured.
“We recognise the impact this tragic incident will have on our customers’ journeys in the days ahead, and we’re working closely with East Midlands Railway and Network Rail to reopen the line as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“We’re asking anyone planning to travel on the Midland Main Line to only make essential journeys while this work continues.”
Network Rail has warned disruption is likely to continue for much of the week because of the scale of the recovery operation.
Engineers must first remove overhead power lines before constructing temporary access roads and foundations for two 110-tonne cranes that will lift the damaged trains from the tracks.
Once the trains have been removed, engineers will inspect and repair the railway before carrying out safety checks ahead of reopening the line.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s eastern region managing director, said: “The past two days have been incredibly tough for everyone involved in this incident and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the friends, family and colleagues of the train driver who tragically lost their life as well as the passengers who have been impacted by this incident.
“Colleagues from across the rail industry are working together at pace to remove the trains and carriages from the railway and complete the repairs to the tracks.
“During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
Passengers are also being warned that planned engineering work between Bedford and London St Pancras is scheduled to take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, meaning all lines on that section of the route will be closed regardless of the progress made in reopening the railway after the crash.
East Midlands Railway has established a dedicated helpline for passengers and families directly affected by the collision. The number is 0333 212 5934 and can assist with enquiries including the return of personal belongings and access to support through the British Red Cross.
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