The Medway Creek rail disaster occurred on 26 February 1960 when the Midlander, a passenger train service that operated in Central Queensland, crashed while crossing over the bridge above Medway Creek, near Bogantungan, Queensland, Australia.
The pylons of the bridge had been severely damaged by the impact from a 12-tonne gum tree that had been swept downstream in the floodwaters.
[4] During the resulting investigation, a Board of Inquiry heard that Murray had rushed down to the wreckage which was partially submerged in the floodwaters and helped carry children to the creek bank before entering the other carriages to look for more survivors.
[4] Murray suffered minor injuries including gashes to his feet from broken glass after taking off his shoes while working to help survivors.
[4] Murray died of a heart attack following the accident, but was posthumously honoured with the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct, along with two other passengers, John Bennett and Alan Streeter.