Train driver who died in train crash near Bedford is named
The train driver killed in a two-train collision near Bedford on Friday (June 19) has been named as 60-year-old Shaun Burton.
His family said: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow paid tribute to Mr Burton, who was from Huntingdonshire.
He said: “I was devastated to hear about the death of Shaun Burton, who was named as the train driver involved in Friday’s train collision near Bedford.
"The many tributes from those who have worked with Mr Burton over the years show he was clearly a well-loved colleague and member of our community.
"He was also known for giving back to his community, including serving as a Huntingdonshire district councillor and parish councillor for The Stukeleys.
"My thoughts are with Mr Burton's family and friends and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
"I also pay tribute to the rail staff, emergency services and those in the community who responded to this serious incident.
"It is now important that the circumstances of this collision are fully investigated to prevent something like this happening again."
The collision happened just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6, involving the 16:40 EMR train from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras at Bedford South.
Eleven people sustained very serious injuries and a further 32 had serious injuries.