Train driver killed in Bedford crash named as family pays tribute
The family of the driver killed in the train crash near Bedford have said they are "devastated by his loss" as he was named for the first time.
Shaun Burton, 60, died when the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving crashed into the back of another on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.
In a statement issued by British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: “We are devastated by his loss.
“Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
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BTP said the family have asked “for their privacy to be respected as they begin to come to terms with this devastating loss”.
“Our thoughts continue to be with them and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway,” a BTP spokesperson said.
The crash saw 100 people injured, when the front of the 4.40pm Friday departure from Corby to London St Pancras hit the rear of the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, to the same destination.
On Sunday, Network Rail said a "complex recovery operation" had begun, to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway, before engineers can assess the damage and repairs can begin.
They added that the Overhead Line Equipment - electrical wires that provide power to electric trains - will need to be removed, and that two 110-tonne rail-mounted cranes will lift the trains and carriages from the site, before a road-mounted crane will move it to a trailer to transport it away.
Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and colleagues of our driver who tragically lost their life. We are also thinking of those who were injured, their loved ones, and all colleagues and customers affected by this incident. I would also like to thank our teams on the ground and the emergency services again for all their efforts.
He added: "We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR’s Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.
"As the recovery progresses, we will continue to provide updates and encourage customers to check our dedicated webpage for details. EMR will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras this week. Our Regional routes remain unaffected. We appreciate our customers' patience as we work with our industry partners to restore services."
Services through Bedford will be disrupted throughout the week.
Ellie Burrows, a regional managing director for Network Rail, said: “While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident.
“We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
“During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
Dave Calfe, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, said: “We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues, which will never be filled.
“Shaun, a driver at East Midlands Railway, joined the railway relatively late in life.
“He loved public transport – he used to work on buses and coaches – before he became a train driver seven years ago.
“He was dedicated to the job, and devoted to his colleagues and enormously popular at his depot.
“The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight.”
More than 80 people were treated in hospital on Friday night and as of Saturday morning 28 remained in hospital, with nine in a critical condition, according to BTP.
Topics: UK News
Kerri-Ann Roper