Train driver passed red signal moments before fatal Bedfordshire crash, investigators say
Rail Accident Investigation Branch examines signalling, safety systems and circumstances surrounding Midland Main Line crash near Bedford
Last updated 24th Jun 2026
A train driver killed in a crash in Bedfordshire passed a red signal moments before the collision, investigators said.
Shaun Burton, 60, died when the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving hit the back of a stationary train run by the same operator.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said in an interim report that Mr Burton’s train proceeded past a red signal near the scene of the crash in Elstow, near Bedford at 5.15pm on Friday.
It added that “it is not yet possible to say what indication the driver received” from automatic warning system (AWS) equipment fitted to the train.
Some 162 people were injured, 102 of whom needed hospital treatment.
Fifty-three remain in hospital, including eight in a critical condition.
Investigators have collected data from the trains, CCTV footage, signalling records and radio communications. Detailed inspections of the damaged trains have also been carried out.
Train stopped before collision, investigators say:
Early findings suggest that one of the trains had come to an unexpected stop because of a fault with one of its safety systems, which automatically applied the brakes.
Railway signalling systems detected the stopped train and set signals behind it to red to warn any approaching trains.
The second train left Bedford station shortly before the crash and continued towards London. Investigators say video footage shows it passed a red signal before colliding with the stationary train ahead.
Officials are still analysing information from the train's onboard recording equipment and have not yet determined what warnings the driver received in the moments before the collision.
Data suggests brakes were applied seconds before impact:
Initial data suggests the moving train's brakes were applied around nine seconds before the crash.
The train was travelling at about 76mph when braking began and had slowed to around 49mph by the time it struck the stationary train.
Investigators stress that these figures are preliminary and may change as more evidence is reviewed.
What are investigators looking at?
The inquiry will examine a number of factors, including:
- Why the first train stopped unexpectedly.
- Whether all signalling and safety systems were working correctly.
- The actions of those involved before the crash.
- How the trains performed during the collision.
- The emergency response following the accident.
- Whether existing safety measures were sufficient to prevent such an incident.
RAIB said its investigation is independent and will focus on identifying the causes of the crash and any lessons that can improve railway safety in the future.
A final report, including recommendations, will be published once the investigation is complete.