Recovery operation underway after fatal Bedford train crash
Network Rail and East Midlands Railway provide updates
Last updated 5 hours ago
Network Rail and East Midlands Railway have released footage from the scene of a train collision in Bedford, alongside updates on the ongoing recovery operation.
The train driver was killed and many other people were injured when an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train collided into the back of another on the same line on Friday.
More than 100 people have received treatment in hospital, with 53 of those remaining in hospital on Monday, including eight in a critical condition, British Transport Police said.
The driver of one of the trains, Shaun Burton, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the collision, efforts are being made to remove two trains from the site.
Mark Budden, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, provided insight into the challenging recovery efforts.
"This has been a significantly distressing incident, and our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected and those who have been injured," Budden said.
"But especially the family, friends and loved ones of Shaun Burton, the EMR driver who very sadly lost his life."
Budden detailed the complex nature of preparations, involving constructing access roads and laying concrete pads for lifting operations.
Each carriage is lifted individually with care to prevent further damage to the railway infrastructure.
"A huge amount of work has already gone into preparing this site for lifting operations and that involves building a road to site and laying a concrete pad for the very heavy crane behind me to carry out lifting operations of heavy carriages," Budden explained.
Once carriages are lifted, engineers will examine and repair tracks, signalling, and overhead lines, focusing on conducting the work safely and professionally.
Investigation and Service Restoration
The investigation is supported by British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, shared condolences for Shaun Burton, the train driver who lost his life, describing him as "a much loved colleague, kind, generous, and intelligent."
He assured that efforts are underway to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
"Our teams are working as swiftly and carefully as possible to clear the line safely so we can return to a normal service and keep people moving," Rogers said.
Currently, a reduced service runs on Intercity and Connect routes, with one train per hour operating between Bedford and Sheffield, Nottingham, and Corby.
Rail replacement buses provide onward journeys toward Luton, while the regional network remains unaffected.
Rogers expressed appreciation to first responders and NHS staff for their efforts in assisting those affected.
"Safety is at the heart of everything we do at EMR, and we are cooperating with British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the facts," Rogers added.
Passengers are advised to check EMR's website for travel updates as the recovery and investigation proceed.