The family of train driver Shaun Burton, 60, has expressed their devastation following his death in a train collision near Bedford on Friday. Mr. Burton died when two London-bound East Midlands Railway (EMR) services collided, an incident that also left approximately 100 other people injured.

This tragic event occurred on Friday at around 17:15 BST, just south of Elstow, near the junction of the A421 and A6. The collision involved two EMR trains: one traveling from Corby and another from Nottingham, both bound for London St Pancras. The incident prompted the declaration of a major incident by emergency services.

In a statement released through British Transport Police (BTP), Mr. Burton's family conveyed their profound grief. "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident," they said. Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train driver union Aslef, described the mood within the union as heartbroken, stating that Mr. Burton's death leaves an unfillable void for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Mr. Calfe noted that Mr. Burton had joined the railway later in his career, having previously worked in the bus and coach industry. He had been a train driver for seven years and was described as dedicated, devoted to his colleagues, and highly popular at his depot. "The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home," Calfe added.

Of the 100 people injured, eleven sustained very serious injuries, 32 were described as injured, and 57 had minor injuries, according to the East of England Ambulance Service. As of Saturday, 28 individuals remained in hospital, with nine in critical condition. Passengers on the trains described being thrown around following the impact.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is working alongside BTP to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The RAIB is expected to release an update on its findings in the coming days. Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the crash.

Services operated by EMR to and from London St Pancras have been suspended throughout the weekend as a result of the incident. Thameslink has advised passengers to only travel if absolutely necessary. Network Rail has indicated that the railway line between Bedford and Luton is anticipated to remain closed until June 28 to allow for repair work and continued investigations.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the railway community and among passengers. Investigations will focus on potential signaling failures, human error, or mechanical issues that may have contributed to the two trains colliding on the same line.