Update on fatal Bedford train crash as report finds fault turned brakes on

Eight people remain in a critical condition following a train crash near Bedford

An investigation has found evidence of a fault in a train crash that killed the driver and injured more than 100 people. An East Midlands Railway (EMR) train crashed into another EMR train, which was stationary, shortly after 5pm on Friday, June 19.

Train driver Shaun Burton, 60, was killed and more than 100 people were hospitalised, with eight people remaining in a critical condition. At time of writing, 53 people remain in hospital. Significant damage was caused to both trains, which also partially derailed.

An initial Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report found that one of the trains was stationary when the crash occurred. The train, the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras, had come to a stop unexpectedly because a fault had developed with the Automatic Warning System (AWS) equipment fitted to it, which caused the brakes to apply.

Forward-facing CCTV (FFCCTV) images shows train 1H46, which was driven by the driver who was killed, passing a yellow (caution) signal – which signifies that the driver can pass the signal but should be prepared to stop at a red signal ahead.

Having entered the Up Fast line, train 1H46 then approached the signal. FFCCTV shows that this signal was displaying a red aspect as the train approached and then passed it, moments before the crash.

The 4.40pm train from Corby then crashed into the back of the Nottingham train at 5.15pm. The train was travelling at approximately 76mph around nine seconds before the collision. Data indicates that the train crashed at a speed of around 49mph.

The RAID said data from the front of the Corby train was still being analysed. This means that it is not yet possible to say what indication the driver received from the AWS equipment on the train or how they responded to this.

RAIB is continuing to work alongside the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road, and the railway companies involved to secure the necessary evidence to support its independent safety investigation.