The train driver killed in a train crash in Bedford has been named as Shaun Burton.
Network Rail said the disaster on Friday had been a “tragic, isolated incident”.
Now, the family of Mr Burton, 60, have paid tribute to him, saying they are “devastated”.
Mr 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.
Shaun Burton was pronounced dead at the scene
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HANDOUT VIA BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE
In a tribute issued by the British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: “We are devastated by his loss.
“Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
BTP said the family have asked “for their privacy to be respected as they begin to come to terms with this devastating loss”.
“Our thoughts continue to be with them and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway,” a BTP spokesperson said.
Travellers can expect a week of delays as services are not set to return to normal until June 28 following the fatal accident | GETTY
General 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.
“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.
“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.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight.”
Disruption on the line is expected for the next week
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Regional 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.
“We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
“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.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating the incident and said it would provide a further update once more is known about the crash.
British Transport Police officers, Rail Accident Investigation Branch officers, and Network Rail work at the site
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More than 80 people were treated in hospital on Friday night and as of Saturday morning 28 remained in hospital, with nine in a critical condition, BTP previously said.
EMR has created a call line for customers and families directly involved in the crash.
“The line is staffed by trained colleagues who will be able to help with queries including the return of personal possessions”, EMR said in a post on social media.