Tributes have been paid to Shaun Burton, the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train driver who tragically lost his life in a collision involving two trains near Bedford last Friday. Mr Burton, a former parish and district councillor for The Stukeleys in Cambridgeshire, has been remembered as a 'great stalwart' of his local community.
Tom Sanderson, a Huntingdonshire District Council member for The Stukeleys, expressed the profound shock and devastation felt within the community. He recalled seeing Mr Burton cycling to and from the station, often working the unsociable hours typical of train drivers. Mr Sanderson highlighted Mr Burton's extensive work for the community, describing him as a 'genuinely decent, down-to-earth person' and an expert on planning, whose legacy in local policy would endure for many years.
Mr Burton was also described as highly experienced and knowledgeable about trains, with a deep enjoyment for his work. He had passionately campaigned on road safety issues within the village, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of his neighbours. Will Rogers, Managing Director at EMR, echoed these sentiments, describing Mr Burton as a 'much loved colleague' who was kind, generous, and intelligent. He was well-respected both as a driver and in his previous role as a train manager.
Further tributes came from Sarah Conboy, leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, who conveyed her deep sadness at Mr Burton's passing, noting that his loss is profoundly felt by his family and the community he served. Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, also offered his condolences, acknowledging the numerous tributes that underscore Mr Burton's popularity as a colleague and community member. He extended his thoughts to Mr Burton's family and friends, wishing a swift recovery to those injured in the incident, and praised the swift response of rail staff, emergency services, and the local community.
The two trains involved in the collision were successfully removed from the crash site on Monday. EMR has stated that its primary focus now is the safe recovery of the railway line, as investigations into the precise cause of the incident continue.