24 June 2026 , 17:32
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A train driver who died in a crash near Bedford went through a red signal moments before the collision, rail crash investigators have revealed.
Train driver Shaun Burton, 60, died when the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving hit the back of a stationary train run by the same operator.
Further details of the incident, released today by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, come as eight people remain in a critical condition in hospital.
Mr Burton was killed and 102 taken to hospital with injuries following the collision, which took place near Bedford Station on Friday, with the driver hailed as "a great stalwart of the local community" following his death.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said on Wednesday that an interim report had found that Mr Burton’s train proceeded past a red signal near the scene of the crash in Elstow, near Bedford at 5.15pm on Friday.
It added that “it is not yet possible to say what indication the driver received” from automatic warning system (AWS) equipment fitted to the train.
Some 162 people were injured, 102 of whom needed hospital treatment. Fifty-three remain in hospital.
Images from a forward-facing CCTV camera on Mr Burton’s train show a signal near the scene of the crash “was displaying a red aspect as the train approached and then passed it”, the RAIB said.
Preliminary analysis of a data recorder aboard the train revealed that it was travelling at 76mph when its brakes were applied nine seconds before the crash.
Its speed had reduced to 49mph when the impact happened.
AWS uses magnets on tracks which trigger receivers on trains.
The on-train system sounds a bell or chime when it is approaching a green signal, and a horn when coming up to a non-green signal.
In the case of the latter, drivers are required to acknowledge the warning by pressing a button.
After this happens, a visual indicator appears in the driver’s cab as a reminder.The train’s emergency brake is applied if the warning is not responded to quickly enough.
The RAIB statement said the stationary train involved in the collision had come to a stop “unexpectedly” after a fault with its AWS equipment caused its brakes to apply.
This resulted in the signal behind it automatically changing to red, investigators said.
Approaching trains should stop at red signals.The RAIB said its full investigation will consider “the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them”.
The boss of East Midlands Railway (EMR) has said the company will continue to co-operate fully with the investigation into Friday’s crash.
Managing director Will Rogers said: “Following the publication of investigation update from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), we are fully committed to working as an industry to support the continuing investigation.
“We are deeply sorry that this has happened on our railway. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with those affected, particularly EMR driver Shaun Burton, who tragically lost his life.“
It comes as passengers who left items on board two trains involved in a fatal crash in Bedfordshire are being asked to provide information in order for their possessions to be returned.
British Transport Police (BTP) said it has “carried out extensive searches of the affected trains and recovered a significant amount of passenger property”.
The items have been moved to an East Midlands Railway (EMR) storage facility ready to be returned.
Passengers are asked to contact BTP with their contact information and details about what they left.
BTP said: “We will continue to conduct more searches as carriages are removed from the site throughout the week, so we can ensure that no items remain.
“We’re now working to safely return property to passengers, as well as making sure that we have spoken to everyone who was on the trains as part of our investigation.”
Anyone wanting property to be returned is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 405040, using the reference 668 of June 20.
Their information will be passed on to EMR, who will make the arrangements.
World Affairs Correspondent