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Home > News > MEDIA RELEASE 30 July 2026 Collins Solicitors issues update on Bedford train crash claim

MEDIA RELEASE 30 July 2026 Collins Solicitors issues update on Bedford train crash claim

MEDIA RELEASE 30 July 2026 Collins Solicitors issues update on Bedford train crash claim

Collins Solicitors has today written to East Midlands Railway, the operating company whose trains fatefully collided outside Bedford on 19th June, causing the death of one driver and injuries to 162 passengers, and Network Rail – inviting both to admit joint liability for the fatal incident. This correspondence comes in light of recent reports within the rail industry of significant safety concerns within East Midland Railway, leading the RMT union to call for strike action.

Senior Partner, Des Collins comments:

“Inevitably, the conclusive causes of rail crashes take time to establish as investigations are necessarily detailed and meticulous. However, it is clear from all reports to date that the signal passed at danger (SPAD) was compounded by the lack of a Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) on that stretch of railway which, if triggered, is designed to automatically bring a train to a safe stop, preventing a collision.

“We are determined that our clients should be spared the trauma of unnecessarily prolonged litigation and so have invited both East Midlands Railway and Network Rail to accept liability in principle. The ultimate share of costs between them can be ironed out over time, but the immediate priority is to ensure swift passenger compensation for their injuries and losses. If liability is not accepted, we shall commence proceedings.

“An admission of liability in these circumstances, where all safety precautions available within the rail industry were not adopted, should allow for swift and seamless interim claims for financial relief, such as extended sick pay to allow victims to cover their household expenses whilst unable to work. However, the extent and scope of final compensation claims would be calculated individually thereafter, as the severity of injury and other losses are taken into account.”

Collins Solicitors, based in Watford, has particular experience in this field, having advised victims and survivors of several past rail crashes including Paddington/Ladbroke Grove, Southall, Watford, and Hatfield. It is also well-known across the Midlands and elsewhere for its work on the Corby toxic waste litigation and most recently the infected blood inquiry. It is currently advising a number of victims of the Bedford rail tragedy..

Collins’ Transport Litigation team helps people understand what level of damages is achievable under the law, and the details of any compensation scheme provided by the companies involved.

ENDS

For more information the firm recommends victims and their families visit their website section What Should I do if I was Involved in the Bedford Rail Crash. You can call 0800 731 5821 or 01923 223324. The email address is collins@collinslaw.co.uk

East Midlands Railway also has a dedicated help line for anyone who was directly involved in the Bedford incident staffed by the British Red Cross and the number is 0333 212 59 34.

ENDS

To interview Des Collins on this topic, please contact:-

Chloe Skeath: chloe@bykcomms.com 07951 233819
Louise Beeson: louise@bykcomms.com 07768 956997
Or his EA Tara Parkin tparkin@collinslaw.co.uk

Notes to Editors

For further details of Collins’ experience in the personal injury space please visit www.collinslaw.co.uk

Collins Solicitors
20 Station Road,
Watford,
Herts
WD17 1AR
T: 01923 223324
DX: 51516 Watford 2
E: collins@collinslaw.co.uk
VAT Registration No: 653 3264 44
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