| What happened | Two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford (Elstow) at 17:12 on 19 June 2026 |
| Services affected | Bedford to London St Pancras suspended Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026 |
| Delay Repay threshold | Claim from 15 minutes delay; 100% refund at 60 minutes or more |
| Cancelled train entitlement | Full refund of unused ticket if journey not taken, regardless of cause |
| Claim deadline | 28 days from date of travel with most operators; retain ticket proof |
Last reviewed: 20 June 2026 | Sources: ORR, National Rail, gov.uk
What happened near Bedford
At 17:12 on 19 June 2026, two passenger trains operated by East Midlands Railway collided near Elstow, south of Bedford. British Transport Police confirmed officers were called to a collision between two trains on the line. The services involved were the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras and the 16:40 Corby to London St Pancras. The Corby service is reported to have run into the rear of the Nottingham service, which had stopped due to a fault.
Emergency services including the air ambulance attended the scene. Multiple injuries were reported. National Rail subsequently suspended all services between Bedford and London St Pancras for Saturday 20 June and Sunday 21 June 2026 while the line was assessed and cleared.
- Collision location: near Elstow, Bedford, on the Midland Main Line
- Trains involved: Class 360 and Class 810 electric multiple units (East Midlands Railway)
- Services suspended: Bedford to St Pancras, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026
- RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) will investigate
- Delay Repay claims open from 15 minutes delay
- Full refunds due for cancelled services not boarded
Delay Repay: what passengers are entitled to
East Midlands Railway operates the Delay Repay scheme, which is the standard passenger compensation framework for train delays on the national rail network. Under the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Delay Compensation Code of Practice, passengers are entitled to claim compensation for delays measured against the scheduled arrival time at the final destination.
The standard Delay Repay thresholds for East Midlands Railway are: 15 to 29 minutes delay - 25% of the single fare; 30 to 59 minutes - 50% of the single fare; 60 to 119 minutes - 100% of the single fare; 120 minutes or more - 100% of the return fare. For season ticket holders, the equivalent pro-rata calculation applies based on daily journey value.
What if the train was cancelled entirely
If a train is cancelled and a passenger chooses not to travel at all, they are entitled to a full refund of their ticket regardless of ticket type and regardless of whether the cancellation was caused by an accident, mechanical failure, or operational decision. This right exists under the National Rail Conditions of Travel and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (as it applies to transport services).
Passengers who travelled by an alternative route - including taxis, replacement buses, or other rail services - as a result of the disruption may also be able to claim reasonable additional costs, though this is assessed case by case and operators may request evidence of alternative expenditure.
How to submit a Delay Repay claim
Claims can be submitted online via the East Midlands Railway website or app. Passengers need to provide the date and service details, confirmation of the delay or cancellation, and evidence of the ticket purchased (a booking reference or photograph of a physical ticket). Claims should be submitted within 28 days of travel, though passengers should check the specific operator's terms as this window can vary.
Under the ORR Delay Compensation Code of Practice, train companies must process claims within 20 working days and must provide clear reasons if a claim is rejected, along with information on how to contest the decision.
If a claim is rejected
If a Delay Repay claim is rejected and the passenger believes this is incorrect, the dispute can be escalated to the Rail Ombudsman (railombudsman.org), an independent dispute resolution service approved by the ORR. The Rail Ombudsman can investigate complaints and issue binding decisions against train operators. There is no fee for passengers to use the service.
Are passengers affected by the Bedford train crash entitled to compensation?
Yes. Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more due to service disruption connected to the 19 June 2026 Bedford collision can claim Delay Repay from East Midlands Railway. Those whose trains were cancelled can claim a full refund if they chose not to travel.
How long do I have to submit a Delay Repay claim after the Bedford crash?
East Midlands Railway's standard Delay Repay claim window is 28 days from the date of travel. Claims should be submitted as soon as possible with ticket evidence and journey details.
What if I had to take a taxi or alternative transport due to Bedford train cancellations?
Passengers who incurred reasonable alternative travel costs due to the cancellations may be able to claim those costs. Contact East Midlands Railway directly with receipts and an explanation of why alternative transport was necessary. Outcomes vary by case.
Can I get a full refund on a non-refundable train ticket if my train was cancelled?
Yes. If a train is cancelled and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of ticket type, under the National Rail Conditions of Travel. The restriction on refunds for advance or non-flexible tickets applies only when the passenger chooses not to travel for personal reasons - not when the operator cancels the service.
Where do I complain if East Midlands Railway rejects my Delay Repay claim?
If a claim is rejected and you believe this is incorrect, escalate to the Rail Ombudsman at railombudsman.org. The service is free for passengers and can issue binding decisions against train operators.
