The female Translink driver who was hailed a heroine when she drove her bus out of a densely-populated Derry housing estate after a bomb was placed on board by a masked man, has been rewarded for her bravery.
Michelle Starrs: awarded for her bravery.
Michelle Starrs was presented with the Gerry McKenna Hidden Hero Award at the annual Federation of Passenger Transport, Northern Ireland (FPTNI) Awards.
Michelle was widely praised for her heroic actions on 20 November last when, after a masked man placed a bomb on her bus and ordered her to drive it to PSNI headquarters on Strand Road in the city centre, she drove the vehicle out of Ballymagroarty housing estate before pulling into a bus stop on Northland Road and alerting alerted police.
At the time, Derry police commander Chief Superintendent Stephen Cargin revealed the device was viable and had been placed in the seat directly behind Michelle.
CS Cargin said while the device was small it had the capability of killing or causing serious injury.
Praising Michelle for her bravery, CS Cargin said she had a “lucky escape.”
Alan Young, Translink Service Delivery Manager, described Michelle as a “hidden hero.”
He added: “She demonstrated great courage and is a perfect ambassador for Translink.
“Her dedication and commitment for going above and beyond has been rewarded and I am very proud of Michelle.”
