Southend station wheelchair rail rescue man reprieved
A railway worker suspended after going on to a train track to help a disabled woman who had fallen off the platform edge has been reinstated.
The customer service assistant at Southend Central station in Essex was one of a number of people who went to the elderly woman's aid on 28 August.
The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said the c2c employee would now return to work.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said it was a "victory for common sense".
The worker had faced a disciplinary hearing after suggestions he had not followed correct health and safety procedures.
The woman suffered a fractured hip in the fall.
Worker a 'hero'
A c2c spokesman said: "A c2c employee has returned to full duties following our investigation into the incident at Southend Central station.
"While the employee helped members of the public to remove the passenger from the track, he accepted his immediate duty was to ensure all trains were stopped.
"This is to protect the safety of all involved, including those who were already on the track aiding the passenger."
Mr Crow added: "Our member is a hero who should never have been facing the sack for saving a disabled woman from a life-threatening situation.
"Our member has thanked the union, his work colleagues and the public for all of their support.
"This incident has shown once again how important station staff are to passenger safety and security."