"I am determined we get all the answers we’re looking for" Transport secretary addresses Parliament about fatal Bedford train crash

MPs spoke about the collision in Parliament today, with the transport secretary paying tribute to train driver Shaun Burton, who lost his life.

She also praised the emergency services for their response.

You can watch the meeting here.

Speaking to the House of Commons she said: “Within minutes, emergency services were on the scene. A joint response then followed, including Fire and Rescue Services, the ambulance service, National Police Air Service, British Transport Police, Bedfordshire Police, and railway staff.

“They evacuated passengers safely, provided medical assistance, secured the railway and began recovery operations. By 23.00, all passengers were clear of the scene.

“Madam Deputy Speaker, it deeply saddens me to confirm to the House that the driver of the Corby to London St Pancras train died in the collision. His family have asked for privacy at this horrendously difficult time, but I am sure I speak for the whole House when I offer them our deepest condolences.

“According to the latest information I have from the BTP, at least 33 people were taken to hospital with a third of those in a serious condition… At least 56 other people were treated for injuries, a number of the injured remain in a critical condition today. We are thinking of all of them and their families.”

She added: “…all responders, to a person, acted quickly, professionally, and bravely in the most challenging of circumstances. Circumstances that many of us will never experience nor quite understand.

“Indeed, Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi of the British Transport Police told me over the weekend that the teamwork between emergency services, railway staff and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch was the best she’d ever seen.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank every single one of them.

“I would also like to thank the NHS staff who are still providing care to the injured as we speak.

“Often in the hours and days after events such as these, small acts of compassion and selflessness start to emerge. Whether it was members of the local community, who lived near the stranded trains, providing bottles of water to stranded passengers, the Salvation Army’s food truck that’s been on the scene since the incident or station staff along the route, who supported passengers amid the disruption.

“I was particularly moved to hear of the ticket inspector on the Corby train, despite being injured himself, radioed in to close the rail line whilst also checking everyone else was ok.

“As I’ve said before, I truly believe the best of us show up in the worst of times - and that is again the case here.”

But she called for patience as the Rail Accident Investigation Branch carries out its work, with an update expected in the coming days.

"They, and they alone, will identify the cause and will make recommendations which I will consider with the utmost care and due diligence. Meanwhile, I urge everyone to await their findings and to hold off on speculation,” she said.

Madam Deputy Speaker, those most affected by this tragic incident will continue to receive the support they need.

In addition to direct care provided by the emergency services, East Midlands Railway have a customer care and welfare support team to provide assistance to passengers. They have also set up a dedicated care line that anyone affected can contact.

She added that she would remain in close contact with the British Transport Police and local emergency services, Network Rail, East Midlands Railway, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail and Road.

And she said: “Madam Deputy Speaker, I realise the following words may ring hollow to those affected by Friday’s events, but they remain important nonetheless.

“Britain does have one of the safest railways in the world. Thankfully, incidents like this are extremely rare, and, when they do occur, they are taken very seriously.

“Safety remains the absolute priority across our rail network – of that there should be no doubt. In addition to the railway’s own safety experts, and the Railway Accident Investigation Branch, we also have an expert independent safety regulator.

“I expect all of them to be studying the findings from the investigation and I will ensure the right steps are then taken.”