BEDFORD, ENGLAND – The family of the train driver killed in the Bedford rail crash on Friday has paid tribute to him after he was officially named as 60-year-old Shaun Burton, saying they are devastated by his loss and asking for their privacy to be respected as they grieve.
Burton was driving an East Midlands Railway train when it collided with another train on the same line shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday. The front of the 4:40 p.m. departure from Corby to London St Pancras struck the rear of the 3:50 p.m. departure from Nottingham heading to the same destination, killing Burton and injuring more than 100 passengers.
Family Issues Statement Through British Transport Police
In a statement issued through British Transport Police, Burton’s family said they are devastated by his loss and that their thoughts are also with those affected by the incident. British Transport Police said the family have asked for their privacy to be respected as they begin to come to terms with the tragedy, adding that their own thoughts remain with the family and Burton’s colleagues at East Midlands Railway.
Union Pays Tribute to a Dedicated Driver
Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, paid an emotional tribute to Burton, describing his death as heartbreaking. Calfe said Burton came to the railway relatively late in life, having previously worked on buses and coaches before becoming a train driver seven years ago.
He described Burton as dedicated to the job, devoted to his colleagues, and enormously popular at his depot, adding that no one should go to work in the morning and not come home.
Complex Recovery Operation Underway
As of Sunday, Network Rail confirmed a complex recovery operation was underway to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the site before engineers can assess and begin repairs. The process involves removing the overhead electrical lines that power the trains, with two 110-tonne rail-mounted cranes set to lift the trains and carriages before a road-mounted crane transports them away.
East Midlands Railway managing director Will Rogers said the company’s heartfelt condolences remain with Burton’s family, friends, and colleagues, and thanked emergency services for their efforts at the scene.
Disruption Expected Throughout the Week
Network Rail’s regional managing director Ellie Burrows said current indications suggest the crash was a tragic, isolated incident, while warning passengers to expect significant disruption to services through the Bedford area for the majority of the coming week. She urged people to only travel through the area if absolutely necessary.
East Midlands Railway confirmed it will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras for the duration of the week, with regional routes remaining unaffected.
More than 80 people were treated at hospitals on Friday night. As of Saturday morning, 28 passengers remained in hospital, with nine in a critical condition.
Stay updated for the latest news as this story develops.
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