An interim report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has found that the train involved in a fatal crash on June 19 accelerated past a red signal that was rarely activated. The crash, which occurred near Elstow, Bedford, resulted in the death of train driver Shaun Burton, 60, and injured over 160 people.
The RAIB report indicates that CCTV footage showed the signal displaying red correctly. Although Burton acknowledged the signal's warning, he continued to accelerate and only applied the brakes seconds before colliding with another train that had stopped ahead. Investigators noted that this particular signal had not displayed a red light to any train since 1985, according to available records.
The collision happened between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services on Network Rail's Midland Main Line. The train driver who died was learning to operate a new type of train under the supervision of an instructor. This train had come to a stop after receiving an Automatic Warning System (AWS) alert, despite the signal ahead showing green. Neither the driver nor the instructor recognized the alarm as an AWS warning, and it was not acknowledged within the required timeframe, causing the train's emergency brakes to engage automatically.
Investigators are also examining an incident on July 9, after the crash, where another train approaching the same signal received an incorrect AWS warning despite the signal displaying green. The AWS equipment was subsequently found to be positioned 16mm below rail level, which is outside the permitted tolerance. However, tests conducted after the crash found no evidence that the signal itself was faulty.
The RAIB stated that its investigation will continue to determine why Burton's train passed the red signal, as well as to examine the signal's positioning, visibility, and status.