Bedford train crash: Tributes flood in for ‘valued’ Cambridgeshire train driver killed in tragic incident

Shaun Burton, 60, died after two trains crashed in the Bedford area

A Cambridgeshire council has paid tribute to one of its former councillors who died in a train crash. Shaun Burton, 60, was named as the train driver who died in the Bedford train crash on Friday (June 19).

More than 100 other people were also injured in the crash, which involved two East Midlands trains heading towards London. Councillor Sarah Conboy, executive leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, has paid tribute to Mr Burton, a former HDC councillor.

Cllr Conboy said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Shaun Burton, a former Huntingdonshire District councillor, in the recent train crash. His loss is profoundly felt, both by his family and across the local community he served.

“During his time as an Independent Group councillor for The Stukeleys ward from 2018 to 2022, and through his work on the Corporate Governance Committee and Development Management Committee, Shaun made a valued and lasting contribution to Huntingdonshire. He was dedicated to his role and consistently sought to make a positive difference for those he represented.

“His commitment to public service and his passion for the community will long be remembered. At this very difficult time, my heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences are with Shaun’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Paul Bristow, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has also paid tribute to Mr Burton. Mayor Bristow said he was “devastated” to hear about the former councillor’s death.

He added: “The many tributes from those who have worked with Mr Burton over the years show he was clearly a well-loved colleague and member of our community.

“He was also known for giving back to his community, including serving as a Huntingdonshire district councillor and parish councillor for The Stukeleys. My thoughts are with Mr Burton’s family and friends and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

“I also pay tribute to the rail staff, emergency services and those in the community who responded to this serious incident. It is now important that the circumstances of this collision are fully investigated to prevent something like this happening again.”