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Monday 22 Jun 2026

Media statement: Bedford collision - Network Rail and East Midlands Railway provide update and footage

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| Eastern: East Midlands

Network Rail and East Midlands Railway have provided an update from the the scene of the collision in Bedford, with footage available for media. 

Network Rail and East Midlands Railway have provided footage for media use following the train collision in Bedford on Friday, as the recovery operation continues to remove the two trains from the scene.

Footage of the operation, as well as interviews with Mark Budden, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, and Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, are available for use by the media. 

A complex recovery operation is underway to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway, after which engineers will assess any damage and complete necessary repairs. 

Mark Budden, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail: 

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway: 

Mark Budden, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: "This has been a significantly distressing incident, and our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected and those who have been injured. 

"But especially the family, friends and loved ones of Shaun Burton, the EMR driver who very sadly lost his life. 

"Right now, our immediate priority is to recover the railway and support the formal investigation, working closely with the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. 

"A huge amount of work has already gone into preparing this site for lifting operations and that involves building a road to site and laying a concrete pad for the very heavy crane behind me to carry out lifting operations of heavy carriages. 

"We then move into lifting of the carriages individually, each one is planned and done very sensitively and very slowly to make sure we don't damage the railway further. 

"This all takes time, but that's entirely appropriate for this type of incident. 

"The time it takes for the lifting operations, the prep work; we're well aware that this has caused significant disruption to passengers. 

"Once the lifting operations have been completed, our railway engineers will be able to fully inspect the railway and then repair any damage, and that damage could involve repairing the track, the signalling and possibly the overhead lines. But it's absolutely essential that we do that carefully, professionally so we're able to open up the railway safely. 

"We'll then carry out the repairs we need, but please rest assured we're doing everything we can to open up the railway as quickly and as safely as possible." 

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "I want to begin by paying my respects to Shaun Burton, EMR's driver who tragically lost his life in the incident on Friday. 

"Shaun was a much loved colleague, kind, generous, and intelligent. 

"He was well respected both as a driver and in his previous role as a train manager. 

"He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him. 

"To Shaun's loved ones and all of his colleagues affected, my deepest condolences go out to each and every one of you. My thoughts also remain with all of those who are still recovering from the incident. I cannot imagine how difficult this is. 

"And I want to reassure you we are doing everything we can to identify the causes to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again. 

"I want to express my thanks to all of the first responders who came to the scene over the past few days. 

"Their extraordinary efforts to help those affected and ensure people receive the care they needed has been truly remarkable. 

"My thanks also go to the NHS staff who have done outstanding work in supporting those who have suffered injuries. 

"Safety is at the heart of everything we do at EMR, and we are cooperating with British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the facts. 

"Rail remains one of the safest forms of transport in the country, and I would ask everyone to allow the investigation to run its course before drawing any conclusions. 

"The recovery operation is now underway. 

"Our teams are working as swiftly and carefully as possible to clear the line safely so we can return to a normal service and keep people moving. 

"As of this morning, we are operating a reduced service on our Intercity and Connect routes. 

"One train per hour is running in each direction between Bedford and each of Sheffield, Nottingham, and Corby. 

"Rail replacement buses are running onwards towards Luton, and our regional network remains unaffected. 

"We do ask that customers check EMR's website for the latest travel information. 

"We will continue to provide updates as the recovery progresses, and I thank everybody for their understanding and patience whilst the investigation continues and we work to restore services safely. Thank you. 

All videos can be found here: Bedford 2026 - Network Rail (Digital)