A Great Ouse Primary Academy pupil has been honoured for her exceptional courage after freeing herself and saving her family during a major train collision near Bedford.
Avneet Kaur Sohal was in year three when the train she was travelling on to London crashed in June.
Read: Bedford train crash report highlights technical faults and missed warnings
Family rescue
She was travelling with her mother, Kamaljeet Kaur Sohal, and her toddler sister, Jasmeet Kaur Sohal.
The impact of the crash left Kamaljeet unconscious with multiple injuries, trapping Avneet underneath her.
The quick-thinking Bedford schoolgirl freed herself and immediately stepped up to care for her family.
After making sure her injured mother and younger sister were safe, she used her mother’s phone to FaceTime her father, Pradip Singh Sohal, to explain the crash and ask for help.
Despite the terror of the collision, Avneet ensured her toddler sister was shielded from witnessing the distressing injuries of other passengers.
Her compassion also extended to strangers, as she moved through the carriage to check on other trapped passengers and make sure they were safe.
Her mother was later airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where she continues to recover from her injuries.
Official recognition
Labour MP for Bedford & Kempston, Mohammad Yasin, visited Great Ouse Primary Academy today (Friday, 2 October) to present Avneet with a Certificate of Bravery and School Values Award.
Headteacher Chris Payne welcomed the MP to a special assembly, where the school community celebrated her remarkable actions.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mohammad Yasin said: “Avneet showed extraordinary bravery at such a young age, finding the courage to free herself, care for her injured mother and little sister, and help others who were hurt around her.
“Particularly moving was the instinctive way she protected her toddler sister from the distressing scenes around them, demonstrating remarkable compassion, maturity and presence of mind.
“It was a privilege to present Avneet with this award in front of her family, teachers and fellow pupils. Her actions are a remarkable example of courage and kindness in the face of adversity.
“She is a credit to her family and her school, and a young person of whom the whole of Bedford can be immensely proud.”
