Bravery awards for railmen
TRAIN staff who ignored their own injuries to aid passengers in the Blaxhall crash have won bravery awards.Driver Nigel Fisher and conductor Robert Williams were praised for rushing to the aid of the 56 passengers after their train ploughed into a lorry at a level crossing.
TRAIN staff who ignored their own injuries to aid passengers in the Blaxhall crash have won bravery awards.
Driver Nigel Fisher and conductor Robert Williams were praised for rushing to the aid of the 56 passengers after their train ploughed into a lorry at a level crossing.
Both staff were injured – Mr Williams suffered a broken arm – as the train derailed, but ignored the pain as they took control of the situation.
Mr Williams was also praised for his quick reactions in slowing the train before the crash and isolating the fuel tanks straight after the collision.
The pair won the award under Railtrack's national safety recognition scheme.
Both were nominated in the category to reward a significant contribution to safety, above and beyond the call of duty.
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Mr Fisher and Mr Williams, who both live in Ipswich, shared coffee from their flasks with passengers and passed round their mobile phones so loved ones could be kept informed.
Nine passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Anglia Railways' managing director Tim Clarke said, "I am delighted that Nigel and Robert have been singled out for special recognition by Railtrack through this award, which they truly deserve for the way they responded to the Blaxhall incident, looking after passengers and ensuring they were safe despite their own injuries.
"I am grateful to both Nigel and Robert, and very proud of their efforts on behalf of Anglia Railways."
