Donna Tudor

Said the following about Clay Mill Operational Incident:

“On Monday 20th July 2015 the following train crew were working 1G57 the 1841 departure from Nottingham to Birmingham.

Leicester Driver Nick Chawner, Birmingham Senior Conductor Wayne Hill and Leona Jones Trolley Host from First On Board.

The train was formed of 3 coaches with approximately 39 customers on board. At approximately 19:30 hours, on approaching Clay Mills level crossing, the train hit a car that had been left by a trespasser who had allegedly driven some way up the rail and left it unattended, watching from a distance the impact of their actions. The Senior Conductor Wayne Hill, immediately felt the emergency break kick in and he knew they had hit something due to ballast and smoke flying everywhere. He immediately checked on the Driver, Nick Chawner, who was shaken by the incident and could see a car now on the opposite side of the track in a demolished state. Nick asked Wayne to place track circuit clips down whilst he made emergency communication with the Signaller. Between the two of them they managed to remain in contact with Crosscountry Control providing updates about what was happening.

Wayne along with his hostess Leona who works for First on board ensured they provided a presence throughout the train during the time following the collision, checking on the well-being of passengers and keeping them updated on the situation. The BTP quickly declared the incident a crime scene which meant that the on call

Support team were unable to access the train. Despite being shaken themselves Wayne, Nick and Leona continued to keep the customers informed and calm whilst the police, ambulance and fire crews conducted their investigations. It took until 22:14 to get the train into Burton Station where customers could disembark and make arrangements to get them home. All customers were calm and extremely complimentary to the crew thanking them for their help and professionalism during the incident. BTP commented that a male had been arrested and would remain in custody until the trial.“