M6: Men commended for actions in Cumbria motorway crash

Gavin Walsh and Shane Doherty were first at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash which occurred on the motorway between Junction 38 and 39 at Tebay on October 15, 2024. The pair, 'with little thought to their own safety', approached a vehicle which was rapidly catching fire and rescued the young child trapped inside. Chief Inspector Sam Turner, Cumbria Police Operational Support, nominated the men for a Chief Constable's commendation.

He said: "The actions of both men showed extraordinary courage and instinctive heroism during a harrowing and distressing situation. "I had no hesitation in recommending them for this award, in recognition of their selfless and exceptionally brave actions." Five people died following the collision [2] - two men, one woman, and two children - after a vehicle was driven the wrong way down the northbound carriageway.

A third child was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with serious injuries. Commendations were also awarded to officers and staff who responded to the collision and those who carried out the post-collision investigation. Those commended included:

PC Kimberley Bell
DC Vanessa Busby
DC Caroline Middleton
PC Jess Powley
PC Claire Whatman
PC Gareth Jones
PC Aimee Bish
Insp Kim Brown
PC Nick Johns
PC Terry Lindsay
Sgt Andrew Robinson
Sgt David White
DS Deborah Story

Chief Inspector Turner added: "This was a major incident which required coordination and effective management at the scene, as well as a professional and effective investigative response.

"In addition, the families of those involved had to be identified and supported through what was a terrible and heart-breaking incident.

"The resilience, teamwork, professionalism and leadership from all staff in such emotional and challenging circumstances was truly commendable."

References

^ No arrests at recent mosque protests in Dalton says police | The Mail (www.nwemail.co.uk)
^ Five people died following the collision (www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk)