An inquest has heard that train driver Shaun Burton, 60, died from traumatic injuries to the brainstem and chest in a 49mph collision near Bedford. The East Midlands Railway (EMR) service he was driving crashed into the rear of a stationary train operated by the same company on June 19, 2026.
Crash details and investigation
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) published an interim report on June 24, confirming that Mr Burton's train had passed a red signal close to the crash site in Elstow, near Bedford. The inquest was opened at Bedfordshire and Luton Coroners Court in Ampthill on Tuesday.
Coroner's officer Natalie Shirran told the court: "On June 19 2026, at approximately 17.14 hours, a collision occurred south of Bedford Rail station between train 1H46 and the rear of stationary train 1B67." Train 1B67 had come to a halt due to a fault, with its driver in contact with signaller and maintenance personnel.
Injuries and casualties
In total, 162 people were injured in the collision, with 102 requiring hospital treatment. At the time of the RAIB report release on June 24, 53 people remained in hospital, including eight in critical condition.
Video footage from a forward-facing CCTV camera on Mr Burton's train showed that a signal near the crash site "was displaying a red aspect as the train approached and then passed it," according to the RAIB. Data recovered from the wreckage indicated that the brakes were applied while the train was travelling at 77mph, roughly 200 yards before the collision. Its speed had reduced to 49mph at impact.
Safety systems and post-mortem
Mr Burton's train was fitted with automatic warning system (AWS) technology, triggered by magnets in the tracks. This activates a bell or chime when approaching a green signal and a horn for non-green signals, requiring drivers to acknowledge the alert by pressing a button. The emergency brake engages if the warning is not acknowledged quickly.
The RAIB confirmed that the stationary train had stopped unexpectedly after a fault with its AWS equipment caused its brakes to activate, automatically switching the signal behind it to red. Approaching trains must stop at red signals.
A post-mortem examination was carried out by consultant pathologist Dr Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow. Mr Burton's cause of death was recorded as: "Traumatic injuries to the brainstem and chest, pending further investigations."
Family and adjournment
Mr Burton's family chose not to appear in court. Coroner Emma Whitting said: "I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my condolences to Mr Burton's family, friends and colleagues for their loss." The inquest has been adjourned pending the outcome of the RAIB and British Transport Police investigations.
