Luton and Dunstable University Hospital has urged people only to attend its emergency department in a genuine medical emergency as staff continue to help care for casualties following Friday’s fatal train crash near Bedford.
The hospital’s operator, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, issued a public appeal as it dealt with the aftermath of the major rail incident, which claimed the life of a train driver and left dozens of people injured.
In an initial statement, the trust said: “Our hospitals are currently supporting the active incident in relation to the recent train crash in Bedford.
“We ask the public to avoid attending our Emergency Departments unless they have a genuine medical emergency. Please use NHS services appropriately.”
A later update on Saturday said hospitals remained under significant pressure.
The trust said: “Our hospitals remain extremely busy as we continue to support the response to the rail incident in Bedford and provide care to those affected.
“We ask the public to help us by only attending our Emergency Departments for genuine medical emergencies, and where appropriate, use NHS 111 for advice. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected.”
The crash happened south of Bedford on Friday afternoon when two East Midlands Railway passenger trains travelling towards London St Pancras collided. Emergency services declared a major incident and launched a large-scale response involving ambulances, air ambulances, firefighters and police.
Authorities have confirmed that the driver of one of the trains died. A total of 89 people were injured, including 11 who suffered very serious injuries and 22 who were seriously hurt. Nine people remained in a critical condition on Saturday.
Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins paid tribute to those affected, writing on Facebook: “Thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the train driver who died in the crash near Bedford yesterday, and all passengers who sustained injuries.
“With thanks again to all our emergency services and voluntary organisations supporting those impacted.”
She also reminded travellers that planned engineering work means railway lines between Bedford and London St Pancras are closed this weekend, with replacement bus services operating.
Meanwhile, Luton North MP Sarah Owen said: “The emergency services are doing their best to support those who are injured and have been affected.
“My thoughts are with all those impacted and please heed the advice of the emergency services to stay away from the area of the crash and to avoid attending A&E unless it’s a genuine medical emergency.”
Investigations into the cause of the collision are continuing. Rail services through the area remain heavily disrupted while emergency teams and investigators work at the scene.
Be the first to comment