Tributes paid to driver who lost life in train collision between Luton and Bedford

The family of a train driver who lost his life after a collision on the Midland Main Line between Luton and Bedford last week have paid tribute after he was formally named.

British Transport Police named the driver as Shaun Burton, who was 60-years-old. Burton was driving an East Midlands Railway service travelling from Corby to London St Pancras when it collided with a Nottingham to London train on the outskirts of Bedford on Friday evening (19/06).

In a brief statement released by BTP, his family said, “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”

East Midlands Railway also paid tribute to Burton in their own statement.

They said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shaun Burton, Mainline Driver, who tragically lost his life in the Bedford train incident on Friday 19 June. Shaun was known for his quick-wit, kind, generous, and intelligent nature, and for always having a smile on his face. He was a well-respected colleague, often acting as a trusted advisor and available to share his wisdom, support and guidance to others.

“He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Shaun’s family.”

In an update yesterday (22/06), British Transport Police said eight people remain in hospital in a critical condition. 53 people remain in hospital, with police confirming that over 100 have been treated in hospital since the incident happened.

An operation has begun to remove the two trains from the tracks and repair infrastructure damaged in the collision. The operation is expected to take place for the remainder of this week, with both East Midlands Railway and Thameslink both advising passengers not to travel over the affected section.

No trains are running behind Luton and Bedford stations, with East Midlands Railway running no services south of Bedford and Thameslink running no trains north of Luton.