Two Trains Collide near Bedford, Killing Driver and Injuring 100

Shaun Burton, a 60-year-old driver for East Midlands Railway, died Friday when two London-bound trains collided near Bedford, @SkyNews reported. One hundred people were injured in the incident. Burton had previously served as a parish and district councillor for The Stukeleys in Cambridgeshire.

He worked unsociable hours and was seen cycling to and from the station, according to local accounts. Tom Sanderson, Huntingdonshire District Council member for The Stukeleys, said the community was devastated and shocked. Sanderson described Burton as very experienced and knowledgeable about trains and noted his passionate campaigning on road safety and planning policies for the neighbourhood plan.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander paid tribute to Burton in the House of Commons on Monday. Will Rogers, managing director at East Midlands Railway, called Burton a much loved colleague who was kind, generous and intelligent and well respected in his roles as driver and former train manager.

Sarah Conboy, leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said she was deeply saddened by the loss of Burton, who served as an independent member for The Stukeleys ward from 2018 to 2022.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said tributes showed Burton was a well-loved colleague and community member. Network Rail stated the line between Bedford and Luton is expected to remain closed until 28 June. The two trains were removed from the site on Monday.