The recent report from the HM Coroner’s Office has disclosed the cause of death for the train driver who lost his life in the rail accident near Bedford. Shaun Burton, aged 60, succumbed to “traumatic injuries to the brainstem and chest, pending further investigation” following the incident that occurred on June 19. The inquest began at Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner’s Court in Ampthill, with Coroner Emma Whitting presiding.
Further investigations are underway by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and British Transport Police following a short hearing that took place today. The coroner’s officer, Natalie Shirran, provided details, stating that the collision between train 1H46 and the stationary train 1B67 occurred due to a fault that caused the latter to stop, leading to subsequent red signals on the signaling system.
A total of 162 individuals were injured, with 102 requiring hospital treatment. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch revealed preliminary findings indicating that the train driven by Mr. Burton passed a red signal shortly before the crash. Mr. Burton, a driver from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, was operating an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train between Corby and London St Pancras when it collided with another train from the same operator originating from Nottingham.
The investigation noted that the brakes were applied on Mr. Burton’s train while traveling at 77mph, around 200 yards before impact. The train’s speed had decreased to 49mph at the time of collision. Mr. Burton’s train was equipped with an automatic warning system (AWS) that alerts the driver of signal changes, with consequences for non-compliance.
The stationary train involved in the collision unexpectedly stopped due to faults in its AWS equipment, causing the signal behind it to turn red. Approaching trains are required to halt at red signals. A post-mortem examination conducted by consultant pathologist Dr. Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow confirmed the cause of Mr. Burton’s death as “traumatic injuries to the brainstem and chest, pending further investigations.”
Coroner Emma Whitting extended condolences to Mr. Burton’s family, friends, and colleagues for their loss. Colleagues described Mr. Burton as a dedicated railway professional who joined EMR in 2019 and was highly respected within the industry. The train drivers’ union also paid tribute to Mr. Burton, highlighting his dedication to the job and popularity among colleagues.
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