Former Huntingdonshire District Councillor named as train driver killed following serious collision in Bedford
The train driver who tragically lost his life in a serious crash near Bedford on Friday (June 19) has been named as Shaun Burton.
The 60-year-old has been confirmed at the driver who was killed when two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains, on the route to London St Pancras collided.
The crash happened at just after 5:15pm just south of Elstow, close to the A421 and A6.
Around 100 people are believed to have been injured in the crash- nine were left in a critical condition- when one train smashed into the back of another.
Shaun Burton, who was elected as representative for The Stukeleys as an independent in 2018 has been the only confirmed casualty of the crash.
Paying tribute to him, his family said: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
Network Rail has informed passengers planning to travel through Bedford that delays following the incident are expected until the end of the week (June 28).
The railway is expected to remain closed between Bedford and Luton for the rest of the week.
East Midlands Railway
No EMR services will run between Bedford and London St Pancras. Trains that usually start and terminate at London St Pancras will start and terminate at Bedford instead. From Monday, EMR will operate a reduced service on our Intercity and Connect routes, although Regional services will remain unaffected.
Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR)
From Monday, north of London St Pancras, Thameslink will run a limited service as far as Luton only. Thameslink and Great Northern will have in place ticket acceptance for EMR customers.
People should travel only if absolutely necessary. There will be no trains between Bedford and Luton, and only limited rail replacement buses.