Details are emerging about the reasons for the Bedford train crash last Friday.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has said in an interim report that the moving train proceeded past a red signal prior to the collision.
It also found that the stationary train had come to a stop “unexpectedly” because of a fault with its Automatic Warning System (AWS) equipment.
The investigation process continues.

Our sympathies go out to the more than 150 people injured in this terrible incident and, of course, to the family of train driver Shaun Burton who tragically lost his life.

We know from experience of other rail incidents the emotional, medical and psychological impact that accidents like this involve, the importance of understanding exactly what happened and why, as well as what ongoing support is available.

If you, or a loved one, has been personally affected by injury as a result of this crash, Collins Solicitors is available to provide expert advice and to discuss your rights and the legal issues with you. We have helped past victims to navigate inquests and inquiries, and with the process of securing interim and final compensation for what they have suffered in accidents such as this.

If you would like to find out more, do give us a call Free Phone 0800 731 5821 or 01923 223324 and ask to speak to the Transport Litigation team. Email: collins@collinslaw.co.uk

22nd June 2026 Collins Solicitors has been deeply saddened by the news of the tragic Bedford rail crash over the weekend and extends our sincere condolences to the driver, Shaun Burton’s family, friends and colleagues. We also send our best wishes to those many passengers who have been injured in the incident.

If you, or a loved one, would like to find out how Collins Solicitors might help alleviate the worry of meeting your financial responsibilities while taking the time necessary to recover from this harrowing experience, we hope these answers might help. We also explain the best steps to take as you explore the compensation potentially available to you for the pain and injury you were caused.

We understand how troubling this time must feel – as we have helped others in very similar circumstances. We are simply here to help you.

If you would like to find out more, do give us a call on 01923 223324 and ask to speak to the Transport Litigation team or email collins@collinslaw.co.uk

What should I do if I was involved in the Bedford rail crash ?

If you were travelling on either of the East Midlands trains that collided outside Bedford on Friday 19th June, and were injured, we advise you to do the following as soon as possible, whilst the tragic incident is fresh in your mind:
- Keep hold of your ticket or proof of purchase;
- Write down everything you can remember of the crash, including where you were sitting/standing and what happened to you after the impact;
- Write down the injuries you have suffered, and if you were treated by medical staff and then went to hospital, if possible, get hold of a copy of your medical notes.
- Write a note on how this has affected you in terms of your ability to work, concentrate, sleep, interact with others – ie be clear how you are suffering as a result of this incident.

How has Collins Solicitors helped others in previous train crashes?

Sadly, Collins Solicitors is very experienced in advising not only victims and survivors of past rail crashes (including Paddington, Southall, Watford, Ladbrooke Grove and Hatfield), but also in providing evidence to public inquiries that have been established to help improve rail safety in the intervening years.
While it is true that rail safety has significantly improved since the 1990s, and we have seen far fewer rail safety incidents as a result, there are sadly still ongoing cases where passenger safety has been compromised. This might now be because the systems put in place in the early 2000s following privatisation and recommendations from the public inquires, may be due for upgrading. We saw similar features in the incidents of the 1990s, when trains were relying on systems and processes that were originally implemented some 30 years before. In 2026, in many cases we are relying on systems that similarly were developed almost 30 years ago.

What can Collins do to help me?

We are a friendly, welcoming firm, that promises to treat everyone with courtesy and respect. We take time to explain cases to our clients and to speak in plain English to help translate what can be fiendishly complicated areas of law into language and circumstances that our clients will fully understand. We welcome all questions so do not fear asking anything that is concerning you about the situation you find yourself in.
Given Collins Solicitors’ considerable experience in transport incidents and, in particular the mercifully rare train crashes that have occurred, we are well placed to help you achieve swift resolution of any financial claim to which you are entitled as a result of the incident and the impact it has had on you.
Sometimes, these impacts can be long-lasting, and for a minority they may be life-changing. We are here to help ensure the damage you are suffering is properly recognised and compensated for.

We will help you understand what level of damages is achievable under the law, against whom any claim should be made, and we can advise you on your rights if a broad compensation scheme is set up by the train operator (in this case East Midlands) and/or the network management company (Network Rail).

How do I make sure I can pay my bills if my work doesn’t pay for me to be off sick and I cant now work until I recover?

We recognise that individuals may have immediate need for compensation in order to pay mortgages/rent and other household bills if they are unable to work and are not receiving sufficient sick pay. We will work with you to ensure your financial needs are meet on an interim basis, prior to a final resolution of your claim.

If I wanted to make a claim against those responsible for this crash, for the injuries I’ve suffered, how much would it cost me and long would it take?

We are regulated to be able to work on a no-win no-fee basis. This allows for a small proportion of your total claim to be set aside to cover our legal costs. This ensures you are not required to put up any money to bring your claim. We will always be transparent with you as to how much the firm will be receiving on the basis of a successful claim for you. Given our particular experience in the field of transport disaster claims, we know how to make the process efficient and cost-effective for our clients.

I am interested in learning more about claiming on behalf of a family member/friend involved in the crash who is still in hospital. What information can I give them?

You can reassure your friends and family that help can be at hand. We can visit them in hospital (if they are likely to be an in-patient for quite some time), and we can meet with their family and friends, to explain the process and to take evidence from them in support of their claim.
However, in the first instance you can advise them to review our website here for examples of how we have helped others in a similarly unfortunate situation : collinslaw.co.uk/transport-litigation

If I /my family member/my friend wishes to be advised by Collins, how do they go about doing so?

The first step is for us to formally on-board your friend or family member, either through their own written agreement or through their guardian/carer (if a child or vulnerable adult) or through someone who has a power of attorney to act on the victim’s behalf.

For this we would need the full name, contact details of the victim, and those who are acting on their behalf. Thereafter we would write to you to explain the next steps before agreeing to formally act.

If you would like to find out more, do give us a call Free Phone 0800 731 5821 or 01923 223324 and ask to speak to the Transport Litigation team. Email: collins@collinslaw.co.uk