A train driver involved in a fatal crash near Bedford on Friday reportedly disregarded a red signal just before the accident, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. The driver, identified as Shaun Burton, aged 60, lost his life in the incident that injured over 100 individuals when a London-bound train collided with another.

Preliminary findings by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch indicate that the train operated by Mr. Burton passed a red signal shortly prior to the collision. Following the crash, approximately 102 people sought medical attention, with 53 still hospitalized, including eight in critical condition.

Investigations revealed that the East Midlands Railway service from Nottingham to London St Pancras unexpectedly halted due to a fault in its Automatic Warning System, causing the brakes to engage while stationary on the track between Bedford and Flitwick. Consequently, the signaling system changed the signal to red to protect the stationary train from oncoming traffic.

CCTV footage captured the Corby-bound East Midlands Railway service passing two caution signals before approaching signal WH154. However, the exact indication received by the driver from the onboard warning system remains undetermined. The footage further showed signal WH154 displaying a red aspect as the train passed it, leading to the collision with the stationary Nottingham train.

A total of 162 individuals sustained injuries in the incident, with 102 requiring hospital treatment. The ongoing investigation by the RAIB will delve into the events leading up to the crash, the functionality of safety systems onboard the train, and the circumstances that led to the train stopping on the track.