A train involved in a fatal crash on 19 June at Elstow, near Bedford, accelerated past a red signal that was rarely active, according to investigators. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the signal had not displayed a red light to any train before the crash during 2026.
The London-bound service, driven by Shaun Burton, 60, crashed into the back of another train, resulting in Mr Burton's death and injuries to over 160 people. CCTV footage showed the signal displayed red correctly, and Mr Burton acknowledged it but continued to accelerate, applying brakes only seconds before impact.
The collision took place on Network Rail's Midland Main Line, about 2.5 miles (4km) south of Bedford station. The first train had stopped after receiving an Automatic Warning System (AWS) alert, despite the signal ahead displaying green. Neither its driver nor instructor recognised the alarm as an AWS warning, leading to the automatic application of emergency brakes.
RAIB records indicate no train had previously passed the signal while it was red since 1985. After the crash, on 9 July, another train received an incorrect AWS warning at the same signal. Investigators are examining whether the AWS equipment, found to be positioned 16mm below rail level, contributed to these incorrect warnings. However, tests after the crash found no evidence that the signal itself was faulty.