Bedford train crash: Driver sped up after red light warning
Investigators report the East Midlands train driver acknowledged a warning but did not slow before colliding with a stationary train.
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The train involved in the Bedford rail crash accelerated after its driver received a warning that he had passed a red signal, according to an updated report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The driver of the East Midlands train, who died in the collision on 19 June, acknowledged the automatic warning but the train continued to gain speed before emergency brakes were applied.
The southbound Luton airport express from Corby was travelling at 76mph after passing the signal, which had rarely displayed red previously. After the driver applied the brakes, the train slowed to 49mph before it collided with a stationary Nottingham-London train on the same track. The collision killed the driver, Shaun Burton, aged 60.
Driver accelerated past red signal before fatal train crash
An interim report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch details the moments leading up to the collision near Elstow.
Automatic warning system under scrutiny
Investigators had been examining the performance of the automatic warning system (AWS). The latest interim report concluded that while the driver acknowledged the warning, the train accelerated. The stationary train that was hit had itself stopped after an AWS warning sounded incorrectly when it passed a green signal. This train was a new Aurora class 810 model, introduced into service on East Midlands Railway within the past six months.
The RAIB report noted that in the weeks following the crash, another class 810 train also received an incorrect AWS warning indication at the same signal while displaying green. The RAIB stated it is continuing to investigate why the Corby train passed the red light and whether its safety systems were functioning correctly. The reason for the first Nottingham train coming to a halt is also under examination.
Train services halted by fire near tracks
Southern Rail reports major disruption affecting journeys across London.
The crash occurred at approximately 5.13pm on 19 June. A total of 160 people were injured in the incident. This collision was the fourth involving passenger trains in the UK since 2020.
Questions this report answers
+What happened in the Bedford rail crash?
A train operated by East Midlands Railway collided with a stationary Nottingham-London train on 19 June. The train involved in the crash sped up after the driver received a red light warning, according to investigators.
+How many people were injured in the crash?
A total of 160 people sustained injuries during the rail crash on 19 June. The driver of the East Midlands train involved in the collision died as a result of the incident.
+Were there any other issues with the warning system?
Yes, in the weeks following the crash, another train of the same model incorrectly received an automatic warning indication at the same signal while it was showing green. The RAIB is investigating this and other system functions.
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