Train passed red signal before fatal crash, says report

A fatal train collision in Bedfordshire, England, resulted in the death of the train driver and injuries to approximately 100 passengers. The incident occurred when one London-bound service crashed into the rear of another stationary train.

“

it is not yet possible to say what indication the driver received

An interim report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) revealed that the driver of the moving train, identified as Shaun Burton, 60, passed a red signal moments before the collision. The incident took place at 17:15 BST on Friday near Elstow, Bedford.

Investigators are currently examining the train's automatic warning system (AWS) to determine the indication the driver received. Preliminary findings suggest the stationary train had stopped unexpectedly due to a fault with its AWS equipment. Data indicates the signal behind the stationary train was red, and the Corby train passed this signal before its brakes were applied for about nine seconds prior to impact, while traveling at approximately 76 mph.

“

the stationary train had come to a stop "unexpectedly" because of a fault with its Automatic Warning System (AWS) equipment.

The RAIB stated that it is not yet possible to definitively determine the cause of the driver passing the red signal. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as the RAIB continues its analysis of the accident.

“

The Corby train passed this red signal, its brakes were activated for about nine seconds before the collision, when the train was travelling at about 76 mph.