Investigation Finds Train Passed Red Signal Moments Before Fatal Crash
Written by HFM News on 24th June 2026
A train involved in a fatal crash near Bedford passed a red signal shortly before the collision, according to an initial investigation.
The East Midlands Railway service from Corby crashed into the back of a stationary EMR train at around 5.15pm on Friday.
Driver Shaun Burton, 60, died in the collision and more than 100 people were injured. Eight passengers remain in a critical condition.
A preliminary report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found the Corby to London St Pancras service passed a red signal moments before striking the rear of a train from Nottingham, which had called at Market Harborough earlier in its journey and had unexpectedly come to a stop because of a fault with its Automatic Warning System (AWS).
Aerial view of the accident site. Pic: RAIB
Investigators said the Corby train was travelling at 76mph nine seconds before the collision. The brakes were applied, but the train still struck the stationary service at around 49mph.
The report states it is not yet possible to determine what indication driver Shaun Burton received from the train’s warning systems or how he responded. Data from equipment at the front of the train is still being analysed after investigators were only able to access it once the damaged carriage had been recovered.
The full RAIB investigation will examine the actions of those involved and any factors that may have contributed to the crash.
The scene of the collision Pic: RAIB
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there was still much to establish and pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in understanding what happened.
In a statement, East Midlands Railway managing director Will Rogers said the company was deeply sorry for the tragedy and extended condolences to the family of Mr Burton and all those affected.
He said it would be inappropriate to speculate while the investigation remains ongoing but pledged the operator would continue to cooperate fully with investigators and “do everything we can to ensure this never happens again”.
The final RAIB report is expected to be published once the investigation has been completed.
