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Railhub Archive
2000-11-21 DET-001
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions0
Hero youth praised for trackside rescue by Transport Minister Keith Hill
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 Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
 
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  Hero youth praised for trackside rescue by Transport Minister Keith Hill
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type Press release
note News Release 710
Brave teenager Scott McKenna has been congratulated by Transport Minister Keith Hill for risking his life to save an elderly woman after she fell on to electrified rail tracks.
Mr McKenna has been awarded The Queen's Commendation for Bravery and the British Transport Police 'Chief Constable's Commendation' after he rescued the woman from the tracks at West Ewell station, Surrey.
Keith Hill said:
"Whilst we would strongly discourage anyone from venturing onto railway tracks, Scott's courageous actions in saving this woman's life are to be warmly congratulated. It's heartening to hear of such selfless acts of bravery and the incident highlights just how important safety is around the railways."
In a letter today Keith Hill personally congratulated the 18-year-old from New Malden, Surrey, for his brave rescue whilst waiting for a train at West Ewell station on 11 November 1998.
Mr McKenna, who was 16 at the time, spotted the elderly lady sitting on the tracks between the live rails. Fellow passengers on the platform shouted for the woman to get off the rails. Although he knew a train was coming Mr McKenna jumped down on to the tracks and helped the pensioner, who was trembling and, apparently in a state of shock, to her feet.
As Mr McKenna carried her across two live rails towards the opposite platform he could hear the rails making a hissing sound as a train began its approach to the station. After reaching the safety of the platform Mr McKenna left the lady in the care of station staff before boarding his train.
Notes to editors
1. Details of Scott McKenna's award were published in a supplement of today's London Gazette.
2. For further details about Scott McKenna please contact Mike Burrell at the DETR press office on 020 7944 3248
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Media enquiries 020 7944 3108; Out of hours: 020 7944 5925 or 5945
Public Enquiries Unit 020 7944 3000
E-mail: press@dtlr.gov.uk
Web site http://www.dtlr.gov.uk/
Railhub Archive ::: 2000-11-21 DET-001
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