Bedford rail crash: train sped up after red light warning, say investigators
Summary
A train in Bedford crashed into another after speeding up despite receiving an automatic warning for passing a red light, killing the driver. Investigators found the driver acknowledged the warning but did not stop in time, and safety systems on the trains showed some unusual warning signals.Key Facts
- The crash happened in Bedford in June when a train hit a stationary train on the same track.
- The driver who died was Shaun Burton, aged 60.
- The train was traveling from Corby to Luton Airport and reached 76 mph before braking to 49 mph at impact.
- The driver received but did not respond properly to a warning after passing a red signal, which is very rare at that signal.
- The first train stopped after an incorrect automatic warning when passing a green light.
- Both trains involved were new Aurora class 810 models introduced recently by East Midlands Railway.
- The train cab layout and unfamiliar warning sounds may have confused the driver and instructor.
- About 160 people were injured, and this was the fourth serious passenger train accident in the UK since 2020 after a long period without such incidents.
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