Austrian Marie Therese Gumpert (24) became a heroine in September 2022 with a rescue operation during a bus accident in England. Now she has been honored by British police for her exceptional bravery.
“In recognition of exceptional courage, outstanding service or when an individual’s actions go far beyond what would normally be expected.” The words addressed to Marie Therese Gumpert during a ceremony on Monday in England were moving.
Reason for the “Chief’s Constable’s Commendation” award by the English police: The 24-year-old, whose family comes from Lower Austria, saved the lives of 26 students.
“Suddenly the bus made a sharp turn to the right.”
Sunday, September 5, 2022: After Marie Therese Gumpert studied law, she started working for her university. Her job: pick up young American students from London’s Heathrow Airport and take them to their accommodation. On that Sunday she also accompanied 26 young men and women.
On the M25, England’s busiest motorway, she noticed the bus heading sharply to the right. “I held on tight, shouted to the back: be careful, hold on to something,” Gumpert describes the dramatic scenes at the “Krone”.
“The window at the back literally exploded”
The driver suffered a fatal heart attack behind the wheel and the bus crashed into a concrete barrier. The Austrian jumped behind the wheel and managed to stop the bus after a second contact with the guardrail. Windows were shattered, a cell phone flew from the bus and luggage flew back and forth in the vehicle. But other than minor scratches, all of her 26 charges remained intact.
Belated recognition for lives saved
Marie Therese Gumpert says today that she just did what she thought was right. It wasn’t until helpers called her a hero and the police chief announced she could receive an award for her bravery that the 24-year-old realized what she had accomplished.
During a solemn ceremony in the presence of her mother, the Austrian honorary consul of San Marino, the Austrian was finally credited with saving her life 26 times.
Source: Krone
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