Shaun Burton, 60, has been identified as the train driver who died in the collision between two East Midlands Railway trains near Bedford on Friday, June 19. The crash left 100 people injured, with 11 suffering very serious injuries, 32 seriously hurt, and 57 sustaining minor injuries. Burton was at the controls of the 4.40pm Corby to London St Pancras service when it struck the rear of the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras train.
Family Tribute and Investigation
Burton's family released a photograph and paid tribute, stating: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident." They requested privacy during their grieving. British Transport Police (BTP) said: "Our thoughts continue to be with [Mr Burton's family] and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway."
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is conducting an inquiry and will provide an update "in the coming days." BTP Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi urged the public to refrain from speculation while specialist investigators gather facts.
Passenger Accounts of the Crash
Passenger Pete Knapp described "crying, screaming" and saw people with "life-threatening, major injuries." He told the Press Association: "There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused."
Simon Bentley, aboard the Nottingham train, felt the train brake "really hard" before an "almighty impact." He told the BBC: "I think [we're] actually just really relieved that we're both still here. We're very lucky and obviously very, very sad about what's happened to the driver." He added that cabin doors smashed and objects flew around.
Brett Byatt, another passenger, heard a "boom" followed by "shrieks and groans of pain." He witnessed a woman with her leg "completely snapped." Byatt, one of few uninjured in his carriage, said: "Everyone else had either a serious wound that was bleeding profusely, or a situation where they couldn't stand or couldn't move their neck."
Line Closure and Recovery
Network Rail stated the Midland Mainline will remain closed until June 28 for a "complex recovery operation." Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director, said: "While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident." She added: "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."
