The train involved in the fatal rail collision south of Bedford passed a red signal before crashing into a stationary train, according to preliminary findings released by rail investigators.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said its early examination of the collision near Elstow on Friday, 19 June, found that the 4.40pm East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras passed a signal showing a red danger aspect before colliding with a train that had stopped unexpectedly on the line ahead.
The collision killed train driver Shaun Burton, 60, and injured 162 people, 102 of whom required hospital treatment.
Fifty-three people remain in hospital, with eight still in a critical condition.
- Read: Cross county foundations launch £20k Bedfordshire train collision appeal
- Read: More than 100 treated after Bedford train crash as eight remain critical
Early findings
The collision happened at around 5.15pm on the Midland Main Line, approximately 2.5 miles south of Bedford station.
Investigators said the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras service had come to an unexpected stop after developing a fault with its Automatic Warning System (AWS), causing its brakes to apply automatically.
RAIB said railway systems correctly detected that the train was occupying the track and automatically changed the signal behind it, known as WH154, to red in order to protect it from other train movements.
Data recovered from signalling systems shows the track circuit was recorded as occupied and the signal was displaying a red aspect.
Forward-facing CCTV footage from the Corby train also shows the signal displaying red as the train approached and passed it.
Before reaching the red signal, the Corby train had passed two yellow caution signals after leaving Bedford station and crossing from the Up Slow line onto the Up Fast line.
Read: Government urges patience as Bedford rail collision investigation continues
Speed data
Investigators have also released the first details from the train’s on-board data recorders.
Preliminary analysis shows braking was applied around nine seconds before the collision while the train was travelling at approximately 76mph.
The train was travelling at around 49mph when it struck the rear of the stationary Nottingham service.
RAIB said analysis of the front vehicle’s data recorder is continuing, and investigators have not yet determined what warning indications the driver received from the train’s AWS equipment or how he responded.
The recorder could only be recovered after damaged vehicles were removed from the scene.
Investigation continues
Read: No direct Bedford-to-London trains this week as rail recovery operation begins
Investigators have recovered on-board data recorders, CCTV footage, signalling records and radio communications.
The damaged trains have also been surveyed using laser scanning technology and aerial imaging.
RAIB said it continues to work alongside British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway as the investigation progresses.
The investigation will examine a number of issues, including the actions of those involved, the performance of the train’s braking and warning systems, the signalling equipment, the reason the Nottingham train stopped, the crashworthiness of both trains and the emergency response.
Investigators will also examine how the risk of trains overrunning signals at the location was assessed and what measures were in place to reduce that risk.
No conclusions yet
Read: Recovery teams begin complex operation to remove damaged trains in Bedford train collision
RAIB stressed that its findings remain preliminary and that several important questions remain unanswered.
The branch said its investigation continues into the sequence of events, the performance of the signalling system and the circumstances that led to the collision.
It also emphasised that its investigation is independent of separate inquiries being carried out by British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the railway industry.
A final report, including any safety recommendations, will be published when the investigation is complete.
EMR response
East Midlands Railway said it would continue to support the investigation and work with industry partners as the RAIB inquiry continues.
Will Rogers, managing director at EMR, said: “We are deeply sorry that this has happened on our railway. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with those affected, particularly EMR driver Shaun Burton, who tragically lost his life.
“Given the complexity of the issues being examined, it is important that the independent investigation is allowed to reach its conclusions.
“As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific findings or speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident before all of the evidence has been examined.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail and Road and await the findings of the final report before commenting further.
“Our focus remains on supporting those affected by the incident, while continuing to work with the relevant authorities and carefully considering any recommendations identified through the investigation process.
“We will do everything we can to ensure this never happens again.”
This is a breaking news story and may be updated as further information becomes available.
