TWO train drivers have today been praised for their actions, following the Blaxhall level crossing crash.Ipswich man Nigel Fisher who was driving the train and conductor Robert Williams have been nominated for a National Safety Award for the care and professionalism they showed to passengers during the incident in April.

By Jessica Nicholls

TWO train drivers have today been praised for their actions, following the Blaxhall level crossing crash.

Ipswich man Nigel Fisher who was driving the train and conductor Robert Williams have been nominated for a National Safety Award for the care and professionalism they showed to passengers during the incident in April.

Their bravery has been highlighted for their calm, professional manner and their dedication to duty in looking after the 56 passengers after the collision despite their own injuries.

The pair offered coffee from their flasks to the passengers and passed around their mobile phones so passengers could let their loved ones know they were all right.

Nine passengers suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital when the train de-railed after colliding with a lorry at the Blaxhall level crossing on the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Nigel Fisher, from Reynolds Road, was also praised for his quick reactions in slowing the trains as much as possible before the collision, averting a worse situation and also isolating the fuel tanks immediately afterwards to eliminate the risk of fire.

Soon after the accident, the pair spoke to the Evening Star praising the passengers for the way they reacted immediately after the crash.

They have been nominated in the category of "A significant contribution to safety, above and beyond the call of duty."

Tim Clarke, Anglia Railways managing director said: "As a result of the incident in April, Nigel Fisher and Robert Williams sustained injuries to themselves, but despite this they both acted in an exemplary manner in responding to the actual incident.

"They offered all possible assistance to the emergency services and provided excellent individual customer care to the passengers on the train, immediately following the collision.

"I am grateful to both Nigel and Robert and very proud of their efforts on behalf of Anglia Railways."

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The news came as it was announced standards at Ipswich, Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds railway stations could be improved following the annual report of consumer organisation, Rail Passengers Committee, Eastern England.

Dr Derek Langslow, committee chairman said that one of the major projects this year was to help drive up standards in 20 stations they had inspected by working in partnership with organisations including the rail industry, local government and bus companies.

He also said: "This year has seen big improvements for passengers on some routes but late trains and cancellations remain all too frequent.

"There are still too many temporary speed restrictions. Let us hope that Network Rail, the successor to Railtrack will quickly start to eliminate the backlog."