Hero of train crash back to work early

May 4 2008 by Michael Kelly, Sunday Sun

A TRAIN driver who broke his neck in a Cumbria crash which killed a woman is set to return to work 14 months on.

Iain Black, 47, of Dumbarton, was hurt after his Virgin train went over a set of faulty points and derailed at Grayrigg in February 2007.

Mr Black was praised after it emerged he stayed at the controls of the Pendolino train as it crashed.

Now, more than a year on, he is to return to an office-based job and said he eventually wants to drive trains again.

Margaret Masson, 84, died and 22 others were injured when the London to Glasgow train crashed and plunged down an embankment.

Mr Black said at the time that he felt like he was on a “bucking bronco” as he battled to keep the train on the tracks. He was trapped in the wreckage for two hours and telephoned his partner Jan Duff, who kept him talking and conscious until he was rescued.

For several months, Mr Black had to wear a head brace to keep his neck still so the bones would heal.

He was told he would be off work for 18 months, but is returning four months early.

He will be office-based and will have to undergo a tough medical if he is to be a driver again.

Mr Black said: “It is still a possibility that at some time in the future — maybe in a few years or a year — I may be able to drive trains again.”