Train driver, 60, killed in Bedford crash which left 100 others injured named and pictured - as family pay tribute
The train driver who was killed in a fatal crash in Bedford has been named as 60-year-old Shaun Burton.
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The collision, which left 100 injured, involved two East Midlands Railway trains – with one smashing into the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.
British Transport Police said more than 80 people were treated in hospital and as of Saturday morning, 28 remained in hospital.
In a statement shared on Sunday, Shaun's family paid tribute to him.
They said: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."
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.”
Experts are continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal incident.
Earlier today, it was announced rail services will be disrupted until June 28 while a “complex recovery operation” begins to remove the damaged trains and carriages.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said on Saturday that its inspectors continued to gather evidence at the scene.
“RAIB will conduct a full, independent safety investigation into this tragic accident.
"We will provide a further update in the coming days once we know more.”
EMR has created a call line for customers and families directly involved in the crash.
“The line is staffed by trained colleagues who will be able to help with queries including the return of personal possessions”, EMR said in a post on X.
The telephone number is 0333 212 59 34 and is open from 7am to 8pm weekdays, 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and 10am to 8pm on Sundays.
King Charles said he was "greatly saddened" by the incident and was staying across developments.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is greatly saddened by the rail crash in Bedford yesterday evening and is being kept regularly updated on developments.
“His thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident.”