Govind Tekale
The interim investigation into the fatal Elstow train collision has found that the driver acknowledged a red signal but continued accelerating before the collision, passing the signal at danger and striking a stationary passenger train. Driver Shaun Burton, 60, suffered fatal injuries. More than 160 people were injured.
What the interim report establishes
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch published its interim report on October 1 covering the collision near Elstow, Bedfordshire. The report draws on data recorder downloads and CCTV footage from the trains involved.
Train 1H46, the 16:40 service from Corby to London St Pancras, passed signal WH154 displaying danger at around 17:13. Forward-facing CCTV footage from the train confirms the signal was correctly showing a red aspect as 1H46 approached and passed it. Train 1H46 was travelling at approximately 58 mph and accelerating when it passed the signal.
The driver acknowledged the red signal but continued accelerating. Data recorder analysis shows the driver first applied the brakes around 10 seconds before the collision, at which point the train was travelling at approximately 76 mph. The train then struck the rear of stationary train 1B67.
Train 1B67, the 15:50 service from Nottingham to London St Pancras, had come to an unexpected stop. Signal WH154 was displaying red to protect it from other movements on that line.
What the investigation has not yet established
The reasons why 1H46 passed signal WH154 at danger continue to form part of the ongoing investigation. RAIB has not published conclusions about why the driver continued accelerating after acknowledging the red signal.
This is an interim report, not a final cause finding. Investigators continue examining the full sequence of events, all systems involved, and the signal infrastructure. The final report will contain RAIB's findings and any formal safety recommendations for the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Elstow train crash?
RAIB's interim report found that train 1H46 passed signal WH154 at danger while travelling at approximately 58 mph and accelerating. The driver acknowledged the red signal but continued accelerating, first applying the brakes around 10 seconds before the collision while travelling at approximately 76 mph. The reasons why the signal was passed remain under investigation.
What did the RAIB interim report find about the Elstow collision?
The interim report found that train 1H46 acknowledged a red signal at WH154 but continued accelerating, striking the rear of stationary train 1B67. Driver Shaun Burton, 60, suffered fatal injuries. More than 160 people were injured. The investigation into why the signal was passed is continuing.
Is the Elstow train crash investigation finished?
No. RAIB has released an interim report but the investigation is ongoing. The final report will contain RAIB's findings and formal safety recommendations.
The final RAIB report and safety recommendations are expected in the coming months. Check back for updates when the investigation concludes.
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