A train driver who died in a crash involving two London-bound services near Bedford passed a red signal moments before the collision, Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigators say.
Shaun Burton, 60, died when the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving hit the back of a stationary train run by the same operator.
Both trains were heading to London St Pancras at the time of the smash.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said in an interim report that Mr Burton’s train proceeded past a red signal near the scene of the crash in Elstow, near Bedford at 5.15pm on Friday.
It added that “it is not yet possible to say what indication the driver received” from automatic warning system (AWS) equipment fitted to the train.
Some 162 people were injured, 102 of whom needed hospital treatment.
Fifty-three remain in hospital, including eight in a critical condition.
The train which crashed into the back of the stationary train was travelling at 49mph at the point of the collision, analysis of black box data showed.
The RAIB said the brakes were applied nine seconds before the crash at which point the train was travelling at 76mph.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander thanked investigators as the report was published - and vowed to “leave no stone unturned to understand what happened”.
She said: “My deepest sympathies remain with everyone affected by Friday’s tragic collision, and in particular with the family of the driver who lost his life and those who remain in hospital. My heartfelt thanks go to every person who responded so bravely and professionally in the most difficult of circumstances.
“I want to thank the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) for providing an update on their investigation so far, which will help us begin to understand the sequence of events that led to the incident. The report makes clear there is still much to establish, and the full investigation will provide the answers and recommendations everyone affected deserves.
“Our railway is one of the safest in the world, and while incidents like this are incredibly rare, when they do occur we will leave no stone unturned to understand what happened. The RAIB will publish their full report in due course and I will consider those findings with the utmost care and take any action necessary.
“Until then I ask the RAIB be given the space to complete their work thoroughly and speculation is avoided so we can establish the full picture and ensure the right steps are taken in response.”
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