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  "path": "/news/bedford-train-crash-driver-named",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-21T16:37:52.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "said the disaster on Friday",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nThe train driver killed in a train crash in Bedford has been named as Shaun Burton.\n\nNetwork Rail said the disaster on Friday had been a \"tragic, isolated incident\".\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nNow, the family of Mr Burton, 60, have paid tribute to him, saying they are \"devastated\".\n\nMr Burton died when the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving crashed into the back of another on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn a tribute issued by the British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: \"We are devastated by his loss.\n\n\"Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.\"\n\nBTP said the family have asked \"for their privacy to be respected as they begin to come to terms with this devastating loss\".\n\n\"Our thoughts continue to be with them and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway,\" a BTP spokesperson said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nGeneral Secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, Dave Calfe said: \"We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues, which will never be filled.\n\n\"Shaun, a driver at East Midlands Railway, joined the railway relatively late in life. He loved public transport, he used to work on buses and coaches, before he became a train driver seven years ago.\n\n\"He was dedicated to the job, and devoted to his colleagues and enormously popular at his depot. The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home.\n\n\"Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nRegional managing director for Network Rail Ellie Burrows said: \"While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident.\n\n\"We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.\n\n\"During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.\"\n\nThe Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating the incident and said it would provide a further update once more is known about the crash.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Driver killed in Bedford train crash named and pictured as family pays tribute"
}