Bedford train crash deployment

On Friday evening, eight local REACT volunteers deployed to Bedford to support partner agencies including Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Local Emergency Volunteers Executive Committee (BLEVEC), and the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum in establishing and operating an Assistance Centre following the recent train incident.

The centre provided support to 39 passengers involved in the immediate aftermath of the crash who did not require urgent medical treatment but had sustained minor or no physical injuries.

Natalie Fairchild, REACT Team Lead for the response, said:

"Our role was to be there for people who needed support at the Assistance Centre, providing practical help, supporting medical assistance, and offering a reassuring presence for those affected by the crash."

We are humbled to have played a small part in the coordinated response alongside our partner agencies. We extend our sincere thanks and respect to the emergency services and responders who attended and worked tirelessly throughout the incident.

Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic event, including the family, friends, and colleagues of the train driver who sadly lost his life.