A complex recovery operation has begun to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway before engineers assess any damage and complete the necessary repairs.
The Overhead Line Equipment – the electrical wires that provide power to the electric trains – must be removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation are constructed to support the operation of a crane.
Two 110-tonne rail-mounted Kirow cranes will then lift the trains and carriages from the site before a road-mounted crane moves them onto a low loader – a heavy-duty, specialised trailer designed to carry extremely heavy equipment – to be transported away by road. Following this, engineers will then assess the track and make any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for 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. I would also like to thank our teams on the ground and the emergency services again for all their efforts.”
“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.”
“As the recovery progresses, we will continue to provide updates and encourage customers to check our dedicated webpage for details. EMR will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras this week. Our Regional routes remain unaffected. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work with our industry partners to restore services.”
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer for GTR, which operates Thameslink, 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 on Monday to only make essential journeys while this work continues.
“For customers who do need to make journeys, we’re boosting the number of our colleagues at stations to help them, and customers should check before they travel and allow extra time. We’re grateful for our customers’ patience as we and our industry partners do everything we can to get services back to normal.”
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional 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. This is a complex and challenging task, and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London.
“While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident. We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
“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.”