Train driver pulls timely brakes, saves man pushed onto tracks
What's the story
An Indian-origin driver in the US stopped his train and saved an Asian man who was pushed onto tracks in an apparent hate crime incident, according to media reports. Tobin Madathil, 29, noticed a commotion as he was pulling into a station on Monday and immediately took action. The quick-thinking subway operator was able to stop the train about 30 feet from the man.
Quote
I'm glad I was able to stop on time: Madathil
"Right when I was coming into the station people were waving at me, and that's when I immediately placed the train into emergency mode," Madathil said. "I'm glad I was able to stop on time and didn't hit the guy, thank God!" he said.
Details
Police is investigating the incident as possible hate crime
Madathil, who has been a train operator for almost two years, said he exited the train and went to the bleeding victim before calling the subway control center for medical attention. The victim was treated for a cut on his forehead at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, and police are investigating the incident for possible bias.
Suspect
Man who reportedly shoved the victim is on the loose
"I try to stay focused at all times when I operate, just watch the tracks and platform, just be alert," Madathil explained how he tries to be ready for the unexpected. "The suspected subway shover remained on the loose on Monday. During the attack, he said something to the victim, who did not understand him," the report quoted the New York Police as saying.
Hate crimes
Hate crimes against Asians in New York continue to rise
The Hill website described Madathi as "heroic." Worryingly, New York City has seen an uptick in hate crime incidents against Asians. Last week, US President Joe Biden signed legislation to address the sudden increase in hate crimes against Asian-Americans in the aftermath of COVID-19 and expressed hope that such crimes would now be more accurately counted and reported so that they can be ended.