Network Rail workers hailed heroes after rescuing woman and dogs in deep snow

Three Network Rail workers have been praised for their quick action after rescuing a woman and her two dogs who became trapped in deep snow near Insch station.

Joanne Reid, 60, was on her usual dog walk on Monday morning when she slipped and fell in the heavy snowfall. With drifts reaching more than 23 inches, she was hidden from view and unable to get back on her feet due to mobility challenges.

Luckily, a team of Network Rail employees clearing snow from nearby tracks heard her calls for help. Darren Stalker, Stuart Fraser, and Allan Rough found Mrs Reid and her dogs, Riley and Rufus, stranded in the snow and guided them to safety.

Mrs Reid said:

“I couldn’t get up so I started to crawl towards the field, hoping there was something to help me, but I couldn’t get far. My support dog, Riley, was shaking as he knew something was wrong. My other dog, Rufus, lay down beside me. I was next to the railway, but trees were masking me. I couldn’t see how anyone was going to find me, so I started shouting. Eventually after ten or fifteen minutes, I saw an orange jacket through the trees and the three men appeared. The relief was unbelievable. I burst into tears. I really believed that if I hadn’t got somebody soon, the dogs and I could’ve been dead. I was so grateful. It was cold and horrible and they’re out working in this weather. Not only are they helping get the railway back up and running, but they’ve also just rescued somebody. I really do believe they saved my life. They say all heroes don’t wear capes, and that’s exactly what they were. Wearing bright orange safety gear and hard hats. They are my heroes.”

After ensuring she was safe, the team returned later to check on Mrs Reid at her home.

The three rescuers said:

“We are just glad that the lady and her dogs are home safe and well. The weather was treacherous, so being stuck outside was certainly not ideal for her. We really appreciate all the recognition, but anyone in that situation would have done the same. We were glad we were there to help. Thanks from us all.”

Network Rail Scotland managing director Liam Sumpter added:

“I’m incredibly proud of our colleagues whose quick thinking and compassion made such a difference in truly brutal conditions. They were out there working tirelessly to keep the railway running safely yet didn’t hesitate for a second to help someone in real distress. Their actions show the very best of Network Rail. I’d like to give a big thank you to them and all our other teams working hard in such challenging weather.”

Image: Network Rail