Powercar Named For Driver
21 Jul 2005
A First Great Western HST power car has been named ‘Stanley Martin’ after the driver who died in the Ufton Nervet level crossing crash in November 2004.
The ceremony took place at Exeter St. David’s station. Mr Martin was from Devon and was driving the Paddington to Plymouth express when it hit a parked car on the crossing. Seven people died and a further 37 passengers were injured. 54-year-old Stanley Martin came from Torquay and had 40 years service.
Mr. Martin’s widow Deborah and children James, 15 and Louise, 14 attended the ceremony together with friends, relatives and FGW managing director Alison Forster. Mrs. Martin said, “Stan gave his life by just being totally professional, taking pride in his job and having total trust in his train and the support of the company he worked for. My family and I are very pleased with the dedication of a power car in Stan’s memory.”
Alison Forster said, “Stan is sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues and we felt it was fitting to celebrate his life in this way. His name will be seen, and remembered, by people across the region.”