Fresh update on fatal Bedford train crash as lines to remain closed for days

A train driver was killed in the crash

The railway line where a fatal train crash took place on Friday, June 19, is set to be closed for the rest of the week. The crash involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one colliding with the rear of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm.

The 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras struck the stationary 3.50pm service from Nottingham to St Pancras. Emergency services were on the scene within minutes.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed the train driver had been killed, with 11 people sustaining “very serious” injuries and a further 22 seriously hurt. Shaun Burton, 60, was named as the train driver who died in the Bedford train crash.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander MP paid tribute to him in Parliament. She said: “Madam Deputy Speaker, it deeply saddens me to confirm to the House that the driver of the Corby to London St Pancras train died in the collision. His family have asked for privacy at this horrendously difficult time, but I am sure I speak for the whole House when I offer them our deepest condolences.”

She also said that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has already begun an investigation into what took place to cause the crash. She said: “The Rail Accident Investigation Branch – whose inspectors were on the scene within hours – have already launched an independent investigation and they have confirmed there will be an update in the coming days.

“They, and they alone, will identify the cause and will make recommendations which I will consider with the utmost care and due diligence. Meanwhile, I urge everyone to await their findings and to hold off on speculation.”

It was also heard that the line will likely remain closed for the rest of the week. Ms Alexander added: “This will be a complex operation involving lifting and removing damaged trains, repairing the rails and removing and replacing overhead lines. That is why the railway is expected to remain closed between Bedford and Luton for the rest of the week.

“There will, however, be services running between Luton and London St Pancras. Rail replacement services were already in place along the Midland Main line, due to planned engineering works over the weekend. Those works were cancelled, but the replacement services continue to offer passengers alternative routes to travel.

“I’ve also instructed train operators to accept tickets from customers using alternative routes. However, my message to passengers who would normally use this route is that if your travel is not essential, please make alternative arrangements.”