The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has issued an investigation update into the collision between two East Midlands Railway passenger trains near Elstow, Bedfordshire, on 19 June 2026.
The accident occurred at approximately 17:15 on the Midland Main Line, around four kilometres south of Bedford station. Train 1H46, the 16:40 service from Corby to London St Pancras, collided with train 1B67, the 15:50 service from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
The driver of train 1H46 died as a result of the collision. A total of 162 people were injured, with 102 requiring hospital treatment. At the time of the update, 53 people remained in hospital, including eight in critical condition. Both trains sustained significant damage and were partially derailed.
RAIB deployed investigators to the scene shortly after being notified of the accident and continues to work alongside the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the railway companies involved.
Investigators have recovered on-train data recorders from both trains, along with CCTV footage, signalling records and radio communications. Detailed surveys of the damaged vehicles have also been carried out using laser scanning and aerial imaging. Testing of signalling equipment in the area is ongoing.
The collision took place on the Up Fast line approaching signal WH152, on a section of railway comprising four tracks between Bedford and Flitwick. Maximum permitted line speeds at the location range between 100 mph and 125 mph, depending on train type.
Train 1B67, a five-car Class 810 bi-mode multiple unit, had come to an unexpected stand after a fault developed in its Automatic Warning System (AWS). According to RAIB, the fault triggered an automatic brake application.
Data from railway systems indicates that the track circuit occupied by train 1B67 correctly registered the train’s presence. As a result, signal WH154, located behind the stationary train, automatically displayed a red aspect intended to protect the train from following movements.
The approaching train, 1H46, was a four-car Class 360 electric multiple unit. Forward-facing CCTV footage shows that after departing Bedford station, the train passed two successive yellow signals before crossing from the Up Slow line to the Up Fast line at Bedford South Junction.
RAIB states that CCTV footage shows signal WH154 was displaying a red aspect as train 1H46 approached and subsequently passed it.
Analysis of data from the train’s front on-train data recorder remains ongoing, as investigators were only able to access the equipment after recovery operations. Consequently, RAIB has not yet determined what AWS indications the driver received or how they responded.
However, preliminary analysis of data recovered from a recorder in the rear vehicle indicates that braking was initiated approximately nine seconds before the collision while the train was travelling at around 76 mph (122 km/h). The train’s speed had reduced to approximately 49 mph (79 km/h) at the point of impact.
Recovery work at the site continues, with damaged vehicles being lifted by crane and transported by road to secure storage facilities for further examination. RAIB is also coordinating with Network Rail to facilitate repairs needed to restore railway operations.
The investigation will examine the sequence of events leading to the collision, including the actions of those involved, the performance of braking and warning systems on train 1H46, the circumstances surrounding the stop made by train 1B67, and the operation and visibility of signal WH154.
Investigators will also assess the crashworthiness of both trains, the emergency response to the incident, and the effectiveness of measures designed to mitigate the risk of signal overruns at the location. The inquiry will consider whether previous safety recommendations were adequately addressed.
RAIB emphasised that its investigation is independent of those being undertaken by the railway industry, the British Transport Police and the Office of Rail and Road.
A final report, including any safety recommendations, will be published once the investigation has concluded.
Will Rogers, Managing Director at EMR said:Following the publication of investigation update from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), we are fully committed to working as an industry to support the continuing investigation.
We are deeply sorry that this has happened on our railway. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with those affected, particularly EMR driver Shaun Burton, who tragically lost his life.
While any incident like this is extremely serious, Britain’s railway remains one of the safest in the world, with fatal accidents extremely rare relative to the 1.7 billion journeys made each year. Independent comparisons continue to rank the network among the safest in Europe.
Given the complexity of the issues being examined, it is important that the independent investigation is allowed to reach its conclusions. As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific findings or speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident before all of the evidence has been examined.
We will continue to cooperate fully with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and await the findings of the final report before commenting further.
Our focus remains on supporting those affected by the incident, while continuing to work with the relevant authorities and carefully considering any recommendations identified through the investigation process.
We will do everything we can to ensure this never happens again.
