Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has thanked rail staff, emergency services and volunteers who responded to the fatal train collision south of Bedford.
Ms Alexander visited the area yesterday (Thursday) to speak to people involved in the response to the collision outside Elstow, which happened on Friday, 19 June.
She met staff and volunteers from the Salvation Army, Greater Thameslink Railway, British Transport Police, East Midlands Railway, the East of England Ambulance Service, Network Rail and the British Red Cross.
Heroic response
The Transport Secretary said the response from first responders and rail staff had been “nothing short of heroic”.
She said: “It was a privilege to speak to some of them yesterday to thank them for their courage and continued professionalism.
“It’s clear their quick thinking helped prevent further casualties and, alongside the numerous acts of kindness from the local community, they represent the best of us.
“I also had an opportunity to pay tribute to the train driver who lost his life. My thoughts continue to be with his loved ones and the whole rail family.”
Ongoing support
Staff from across the rail network and emergency services provided care and support to those affected in the immediate aftermath of the collision and in the days that followed.
The Department for Transport said work continues to support those affected, including through a dedicated care line, the recovery of passengers’ belongings and efforts to restore train services on the line.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch published an update on Wednesday, 24 June, setting out its preliminary sequence of events leading to the collision. Their full report will be published in due course.
Read: Breaking news: Faulty safety system triggered fatal Bedford rail crash
Elstow Abbey will host a service of prayer and reflection today (Friday) to support the community following the recent fatal rail incident near Bedford station.
The short service offers an opportunity for local people to remember train driver Shaun Burton, pray for the injured, and hold everyone affected in their thoughts.
Read: Elstow Abbey service to support community after rail tragedy
