Bedford crash survivors urge fitting of automatic train braking system

An interim investigation into the Bedford train crash found that driver Shaun Burton passed a red signal and accelerated before his train struck the rear of another train, killing him and injuring 160 people. Survivors and their solicitors say the collision could have been prevented by a trackside safety system that automatically stops trains passing red signals, renewing questions about why it was not installed.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said Burton acknowledged an Automatic Warning System alarm, continued accelerating to 76mph and braked ten seconds before impact, when he was about 850ft from the other train. The crash happened on 19 June, after the train ahead stopped unexpectedly because of a safety-system fault; 11 people were very seriously injured. Network Rail had reviewed the signal the previous year and judged it did not need the Train Protection and Warning System, citing its risk criteria; it says it is considering the interim findings and will cooperate with the investigation.