Bedford train crash update issued with eight people still in critical condition
Eight people remain in a critical condition following a devastating train collision near Bedford that claimed one life.
Last Friday, when an East Midlands Railway (EMR) service crashed into another train on the same line from behind, the driver of one of the trains died and many people were injured.
More than 100 people were treated in hospital following the incident; According to British Transport Police (BTP), 53 people were still admitted as of Monday, including eight in intensive care. The driver of one of the trains, 60-year-old Shaun Burton, was pronounced dead at the scene.
BTP Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “The thoughts of everyone at BTP are, above all, with the family and colleagues of driver Shaun Burton and everyone injured and affected by Friday’s collision.”
He confirmed that a priority investigation was ongoing, with BTP’s senior investigating officer liaising with the Rail Accidents Investigation Branch (RAIB) to establish the full circumstances. Mr Cundy added that personal belongings had been seized from the trains and an update on the rescue of affected passengers would be provided shortly.
Mr Cundy said of the immediate response: “On Friday evening I witnessed a horrific incident which caused complexities and difficulties for all who responded. I am humbled by the actions of passengers and staff on the trains and the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and our partners.”
He said a rescue operation to remove the damaged trains and reopen the railway was currently ongoing and the investigation team was trying to speak to everyone on the affected services.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander addressed the House of Commons on Monday, confirming that the RAIB was investigating and an update was expected “in the coming days”.
He called for patience, saying: “While I fully understand the power of feeling out there, when I hear the cries for answers for the need to understand the cause of this tragedy, I must ask for some patience from everyone, even though I know how difficult it will be.”
Ms. Alexander confirmed her commitment to uncovering all the answers and ensuring lessons are learned. He stressed that the RAIB, whose inspectors were at the scene within a few hours, had launched an independent investigation.
Calling against speculation, he said: “They, and they alone, will determine the cause and make recommendations, which I will evaluate with great care and due diligence.” he said.
The collision occurred at 5.15pm on Friday, when the 4.40pm train from Corby to London St Pancras collided with the 3.50pm fixed service from Nottingham to London St Pancras at Alstone, near Bedford.
Emergency services arrived “within minutes” and launched a joint response involving fire and rescue, ambulance services, the National Police Air Service, British Transport Police, Bedfordshire Police and railway staff, Ms Alexander said.
“They evacuated the passengers safely, provided medical assistance, ensured the safety of the railway and began rescue operations,” the Transport Minister said. He confirmed that all passengers left the scene by 23:00 at night.
Ms Alexander expressed deep sadness at the confirmation of the death of the driver of the Corby to London St Pancras train, adding: “His family have asked for privacy at this terribly difficult time, but I am sure I speak on behalf of the whole House in offering them our deepest condolences.”
Transport committee chair Ruth Cadbury pressed for support for rail staff, particularly those working on the affected route. Ms Alexander extended this to both passengers and EMR staff, saying the “whole railway family has come together to ensure that support is provided to individuals who may have experienced very serious trauma”.
He also assured that inspectors would have “appropriate resources and appropriate equipment” for their work.
EMR has established a customer service and outreach team, as well as a dedicated care line to assist affected passengers.
The rail line between Bedford and Luton is expected to remain closed for the rest of the week, but services between Luton and London St Pancras are continuing. Engineering works planned for the weekend leading to rail renewal services along the Midland main line have been cancelled.
These replacement services continue to offer alternative routes and train operators have been instructed to accept tickets from customers using these options. However, Ms Alexander advised travelers to “make alternative arrangements” for non-essential travel along this route.
