A former train driver now a helicopter pilot with the Humberside Police, helped stop a train from ploughing into an abandoned car, left on a level crossing near Hull.
Helicopter pilot, Captain Kathryn Chapman, a former train driver, flew low over the tracks and flashed her lights at the oncoming train. ‘I was aware of where the incident was and was looking across the Humber and saw the train going past the Arco building going into town.
‘I knew the train was getting close. I just decided it was sensible to carry on and put a stop on the train if we could,’ said Captain Chapman. ‘I pulled the helicopter up to maximum speed to get ahead of the train, to round about 150mph. I was just determined to get ahead.’ She managed to hover above the track and flash a warning at the driver who competently took action.
Kathryn drove trains in 2007 to 2008. ‘I don’t see it as hair-raising – it is just part and parcel of what we get asked to do….I knew roughly the signals the driver would have been looking for,’ she said. ‘The rule book says lights being flashed directly in your field of view should be taken as an emergency stop signal.’
Kathryn also served in the Royal Navy and is a Gulf War veteran. Network Rail signalmen and the driver of the Northern Rail service were also praised for their prompt life saving actions. The driver of the car has since been arrested for suspected drugs offences.
