Shaun Burton, 60, the driver of an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train that crashed at 49mph in Bedfordshire, is believed to have suffered traumatic injuries to the brainstem and chest, an inquest has heard.
Collision Details
Mr. Burton died when his train, service 1H46, collided with the rear of a stationary EMR train (1B67) near Elstow, Bedford, on June 19, 2026. The stationary train had stopped due to a technical problem, and its driver was communicating with the signaller and maintenance personnel.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) published an interim report on June 24, confirming that Mr. Burton's train had passed a red signal shortly before the crash.
Inquest Proceedings
The inquest, opened at Bedfordshire and Luton Coroners Court in Ampthill, heard from coroner's officer Natalie Shirran. She stated that the signalling system had placed following trains at red signals, but train 1H46 departed Bedford at 17:10 and subsequently passed a red signal.
CCTV footage from the locomotive's forward-facing camera showed the signal displaying a red aspect as the train approached and passed it. Data from the wreckage indicated that brakes were applied while the train was moving at 77mph, approximately 200 yards before the collision, reducing speed to 49mph at impact.
Injuries and Fatalities
A total of 162 people sustained injuries in the incident, with 102 requiring hospital care. By the time of the RAIB report three weeks later, 53 people remained in hospital, including eight in critical condition.
A post-mortem examination by consultant pathologist Dr. Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow attributed Mr. Burton's death to traumatic injuries to the brainstem and chest, pending further investigations.
Technical Factors
The RAIB reported that the stationary train had stopped unexpectedly after a malfunction in its automatic warning system (AWS) equipment caused its brakes to engage, automatically changing the signal behind it to red. Approaching trains are required to stop at red signals.
Mr. Burton's locomotive was equipped with AWS, which sounds a chime for green signals and a horn for non-green signals. Drivers must acknowledge the alert by pressing a button; otherwise, emergency brakes activate. The RAIB investigation is ongoing.
Condolences and Adjournment
Coroner Emma Whitting expressed condolences to Mr. Burton's family, friends, and colleagues. The inquest has been adjourned pending the conclusion of investigations by the RAIB and British Transport Police.
