There will be no trains between Luton and Bedford this week, as engineers work on removing the two trains which collided south of Bedford on Friday, killing a driver and injuring 100 passengers.

Last night, nine of the injured passengers were still in critical condition in hospital, and inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have been gathering evidence over the weekend.

The train driver who died in the collision has been named as Shaun Burton, who was 60 years old.

His family said: ’We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.’

A special access road will be built to allow a crane to approach the crash scene, from where the overhead wires will need to be temporarily removed. Two 110-tonne rail-mounted Kirow Cranes will then lift the trains from the site before a road-mounted crane moves them on to a low loader. Engineers will then assess the track and make any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks before reopening the railway.

Buses are replacing East Midlands Railway trains south of Bedford, and Greater Thameslink Railway trains north of Luton. Other operators are accepting tickets on alternative routes. EMR services on the Midland Main Line north of Bedford will be reduced, with EMR Intercity and Connect services running once an hour in each direction. Trains from Corby will run only as far as Kettering, from where rail replacement buses will run to Luton Airport Parkway. All Luton Airport Express services will be suspended, and passengers are being advised to use Thameslink instead.

East Midlands Railway managing director Will Rogers said: ‘First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and colleagues of our driver who tragically lost their life. We are also thinking of those who were injured, their loved ones, and all colleagues and customers affected by this incident. I would also like to thank our teams on the ground and the emergency services again for all their efforts.

‘We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR’s Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.

‘As the recovery progresses, we will continue to provide updates and encourage customers to check our dedicated webpage for details. EMR will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras this week. Our Regional routes remain unaffected. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work with our industry partners to restore services.’

GTR chief customer officer Louis Rambaud added: ‘It has been an incredibly difficult time for the whole railway family, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident, particularly the family, friends and colleagues of the person who has tragically died, and all those who have been injured.

‘We recognise the impact this tragic incident will have on our customers’ journeys in the days ahead, and we’re working closely with East Midlands Railway and Network Rail to reopen the line as soon as it’s safe to do so. We’re asking anyone planning to travel on the Midland Main Line on Monday to only make essential journeys while this work continues.’

Network Rail Eastern regional managing director Ellie Burrows said: ’The past two days have been incredibly tough for everyone involved in this incident and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the friends, family and colleagues of the train driver who tragically lost their life as well as the passengers who have been impacted by this incident.

‘Colleagues from across the rail industry are working together to remove the trains from the railway and complete the repairs to the tracks. This is a complex and challenging task and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London. Current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident.  We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.’

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