Train Disaster Averted in Hull

6 October 2011, 15:25 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police have managed to stop what could have been an horrific train crash in Hull.

On Monday 3rd October Humberside Police were chasing a car on Witty Street in Hull trying to get it to pull over.

The driver of the silver Ford Mondeo then abandoned the vehicle on the railway lines close to Hawthorn Avenue leaving it in the path of an oncoming train. 

Humberside Police helicopter was called to the scene and by flying low, above the height of the train, using lights and the help of the pilot and crew onboard, the train was stopped safely before it hit the car.

Luckily nobody was hurt and the vehicle was moved.

The driver of the car, a 40-year-old Hull man, was arrested by officers at the scene for failing to stop and suspected drugs offences.

He has now been released on police bail.

Chief Superintendent Colin Andrews said, "This was a reckless act by the driver of the vehicle, which could have resulted in the deaths of a number of people, but as a result of the quick thinking of the Humberside Police helicopter crew it was avoided.

It is not the first time the Humberside Police helicopter has prevented a train crash. The pilot and crew on board are to be congratulated for their quick thinking, which prevented a potential tragedy.

This incident is just one example of how versatile the force helicopter can be."