A coroner’s inquest has confirmed that Shaun Burton, a 60-year-old train driver, died from severe brain and chest trauma following a collision near Bedford. The incident occurred on June 19 when his train struck the rear of another service in Elstow, leaving 162 passengers injured, with 102 requiring hospital care.
During the opening of the inquest in Ampthill, Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton, Emma Whitting, announced an adjournment. The proceedings will remain on hold until reports from the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are completed.
Burton, a resident of Cambridgeshire, was a former local politician who served as a parish and district councillor for The Stukeleys ward within the Huntingdonshire District Council. A consultant pathologist reported to the court that the primary cause of death resulted from injuries to the brain stem and chest. Further investigative steps are ongoing.
