The driver killed in a train crash near Bedford has been named as Shaun Burton, a 60-year-old who died when the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving crashed into the back of another on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.
In a tribute issued by the British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.” BTP added that the family have asked “for their privacy to be respected as they begin to come to terms with this devastating loss”.
Details of the Crash
The collision occurred when the front of the 4.40pm departure from Corby to London St Pancras hit the rear of the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, heading to the same destination. Around 100 other people were injured in the incident, though none are believed to be life-threatening.
Network Rail described the crash as a “tragic, isolated incident” and confirmed that a “complex recovery operation” to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway has begun. Engineers will then need to assess the damage and complete repairs, meaning services will be disrupted throughout the week.
Response and Tributes
A BTP spokesperson said: “Our thoughts continue to be with them and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway.” The family’s statement expressed devastation and requested privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
