Network Rail staff rescue woman trapped in snow near Insch

Dog Walker Rescued After Falling in Heavy Snow

Joanne Reid, 60, feared the worst after falling during her regular dog walk on Monday morning near Insch station.

Reports indicated 23 inches of snow, with drifts even higher. Reid was completely hidden from view and could not get back on her feet due to mobility issues.

A team from Network Rail was working to clear heavy snow from nearby railway lines when they heard Reid shouting for help.

Rescue Efforts

Darren Stalker, Stuart Fraser, and Allan Rough found Reid and her dogs lying in the deep snow and helped them to safety.

Reid stated, “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.”

She added, “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.”

Reid expressed her relief, saying, “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.”

Recognition of Heroes

Reid praised the team, stating, “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.”

After returning to their work, the team checked on Reid later in the day at her home.

Joint Statement from the Rescue Team

In a joint statement, the three men 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.”

They added, “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’s Response

Liam Sumpter, managing director at Network Rail Scotland, said, “I’m incredibly proud of our colleagues whose quick thinking and compassion made such a difference in truly brutal conditions.”

He continued, “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.”

Sumpter concluded, “I’d like to give a big thank you to them and all our other teams working hard in such challenging weather.”