Eight in critical condition after Bedford train crash that killed driver

Eight people remain in critical condition in hospital after a train crash near Bedford on Friday that killed a train driver.

British Transport Police (BTP) said on Monday that the number of people in a critical condition had fallen from nine.

More than 100 people were injured in the collision which saw one train smash into the back of another on the same line, with 53 people remaining in hospital on Monday.

The driver who died at the scene has been named as 60-year-old Shaun Burton.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said the recovery operation at the scene at Elstow remains underway and "work continues this week to remove the damaged trains and carriages and allow the railway to reopen".

"First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at BTP are with the driver Shaun Burton's family and colleagues, and all those injured and affected by the collision on Friday," he said.

"This is a priority investigation for BTP and our experienced senior investigating officer is working in parallel with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the full circumstances of how this incident came to happen.

"We have recovered personal property from the two trains and will shortly be providing an update on how affected passengers can retrieve their belongings."

Photos taken at the scene on Monday show a crane involved in the clean-up and recovery operation and sections of the trains still on the tracks. The crash involved two East Midlands Railway trains.

DCC Cundy said: "Friday evening witnessed an awful incident that presented complexities and challenges for all those who responded.

"I have been humbled by the actions of passengers and staff who were on the trains, and by the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and partners."

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He also appealed for anyone who was on the trains at the time of the crash to get in touch with BTP.

"Lastly, our investigation team are looking to speak to everyone who was on the affected trains at the time of the collision," he added.

Mr Burton's family said in a statement on Sunday: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."

Police were called to the trainline by Elstow, Bedfordshire at 5.15pm on Friday following reports that two trains had collided.

(c) Sky News 2026: Eight in critical condition after Bedford train crash that killed driver