Routes from Sheffield to London remain cancelled as police begin clearing debris of shocking train crash
The driver of one train tragically died, while eight people are in a critical condition
Police are set to begin returning people’s belongings as they clear debris from a train crash that left more than 100 people hospitalised.
All journeys between Sheffield and London St Pancras are expected to remain cancelled until Friday, June 26, as the recovery operations take place.
There will be an hourly service connecting Sheffield to Bedford, with rail replacement buses to Luton and Kettering.
Meanwhile, National Rail are advising those wishing to head to the capital city are being advised to travel to Doncaster, before catching a train to London Kings Cross.
Police have revealed they are still investigating the incident which took place near Bedford, and saw East Midlands Railway driver Shaun Burton tragically pass away.
Family of the 60-year-old said: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
More than 100 people were taken to hospital when the two trains collided on Friday (June 19), with 53 people remaining there as of Tuesday (June 22) evening.
British Transport Police have said eight people are in critical condition, as they urge anyone affected to reach out.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at BTP are with the driver Shaun Burton’s family and colleagues, and all those injured and affected by the collision on Friday.
“This is a priority investigation for BTP and our experienced senior investigating officer is working in parallel with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the full circumstances of how this incident came to happen. We have recovered personal property from the two trains and will shortly be providing an update on how affected passengers can retrieve their belongings.
“Friday evening witnessed an awful incident that presented complexities and challenges for all those who responded. I have been humbled by the actions of passengers and staff who were on the trains, and by the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and partners.
“The recovery operation is now underway, and work continues this week to remove the damaged trains and carriages and allow the railway to reopen.
“Lastly, our investigation team are looking to speak to everyone who was on the affected trains at the time of the collision. I would urge anyone who hasn’t already spoken to police to get in touch with BTP using the QR code below.”