Hero rail worker crawled through train wreckage to raise alarm
AN OFF-DUTY rail worker has emerged as the hero of the Stonehaven train crash as Prince Charles visited the scene to thank emergency crews.
Injured Nicola Whyte, 31, managed to crawl from the wreckage and trek more than a mile to a signal box to alert authorities to the tragedy which killed three people onWednesday.
Train driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, died when the 6.38am ScotRail train from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street was derailed by a landslip near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.
Six others were taken to hospital, four of whom have been discharged.
The remote location meant phone signals were extremely poor and Ms Whyte’s efforts were praised for potentially saving other lives.
Derailed
Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, praised emergency teams including PCs Liam Mercer and Eilidh McCabe, two of the first police officers at the scene.
He also spoke to firefighters, coastguard members and Network Rail.
Scotland’s Transport Secretary Michael Matheson told BBC Scotland’s The Nine: “There was also an off-duty railway person on the train who, after it derailed, walked around a mile to the next signal box and advised them that an incident had occurred, which allowed Network Rail at its national control centre to close the line.
“During the course of that Police Scotland dispatched their staff and Network Rail dispatched some of the staff that they had working nearby to respond to the incident.”
The family of Ms Whyte, from Huntly, expressed their pride.
Her sister Gemma said on Facebook: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking for all involved and it’s such a difficult time for us all.
“I am however a very proud sister of Nicola for walking three miles with injuries to get help for everyone. Forever grateful that you’re OK!
“She would like to thank everyone who has wished her well and a speedy recovery.
“Thank you again, all your kind wishes, they mean the world to Nicola and all our family. Stay safe and hug your loved ones tighter.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said the train struck a landslip during heavy rain and flooding. It travelled nearly 100 yards before hitting a barrier on the edge of a bridge.
The impact caused the front power car and one carriage to plunge down an embankment.
A separate investigation will be carried out by Police Scotland, British Transport Police and the Office of Rail and Road. Network Rail will also inspect the country’s trackside slopes.
A three-minute silent tribute to the Stonehaven victims is being planned for 7pm tomorrow.