Eight people remain in critical condition and 53 are still hospitalized following a train collision in Bedfordshire on Friday, according to a police update issued on Monday evening. The crash involved two East Midlands Railway trains near Elstow, Bedfordshire, and left driver Shaun Burton, 60, dead.
Over 100 Hospitalised After Major Incident
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 5.15pm on Friday, June 19, to reports of two trains colliding. More than 100 people were rushed to hospital, and a major incident was declared. Officers from British Transport Police (BTP), Bedfordshire Police, the National Police Air Service, along with local fire and ambulance crews, responded to the scene.
The BTP confirmed on Monday that 53 people remained hospitalized, with eight in critical condition. However, officers indicated this figure is "likely to continue to change" as the situation develops.
Driver Shaun Burton Killed
Shaun Burton, the driver of one train, lost his life in the collision. His family said in a police statement: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."
Dave Calfe, general secretary of train drivers' union Aslef, told the BBC: "We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled."
Investigation Underway
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, from the BTP, said: "First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at BTP are with the driver Shaun Burton's family and colleagues, and all those injured and affected by the collision on Friday." He stated the investigation is being treated as a "priority" for the BTP, adding that the senior investigating officer is collaborating closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish what occurred. Personal items have been retrieved from the trains.
The officer added: "Friday evening witnessed an awful incident that presented complexities and challenges for all those who responded. I have been humbled by the actions of passengers and staff who were on the trains, and by the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and partners."
Recovery Operation Ongoing
The recovery operation is now underway, and work continues this week to remove the damaged trains and carriages and allow the railway to reopen. Anyone affected by the incident is urged to get in touch with the BTP.
