Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dhnu9assxy3oy40/VRP26064.mp4?dl=0
This is the heroic moment a railway worker dramatically saved a six-year-old boy from being hit by an oncoming train.
CCTV shows how the child was walking with his reportedly blind mother at Vangani train station in Mumbai, India on Saturday evening (April 18).
The toddler stepped over the edge of the platform and his foot missed the surface before falling onto the tracks. He was not tall enough to climb to safety.
Railway employee Mayur Shelke, 30 heard the child’s helpless mother’s cries for help. With the train speeding towards the youngster, he jumped onto the tracks and sprinted along the wooden sleepers to reach him.
Briefly hesitating as the train approached, he risked his own life and continued with the brave rescue.
Mayur lifted the child onto the platform and pushed himself up to safety. It was barely two seconds before the Udyan Express moved through.
Mayur said: ‘I saw the Udyan Express coming towards the child. I had to save his life and started running towards him. Within seconds I was scared and thought of backing out. I even slowed down. But I could not see him die and started running again.’
The Indian Ministry of Railways later rewarded Mayur Shelke with 50,000 Rupees (662 USD) for his bravery.
They said in a statement: ‘He risked his life to save the life of the child. We salute his exemplary courage and utmost devotion to duty.’