New York: An alert Indian-origin driver in New York City stopped his train and saved an Asian man who was pushed onto the tracks in an apparent hate crime incident, according to reports. Tobin Madathil, 29, noticed a commotion as he was pulling into a station and immediately took action. The quick-thinking subway operator was able to stop the train about 30ft from the man. “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.
Moments earlier, a crazed suspect had shoved the Asian male onto the tracks - the latest in a spate of attacks in the city’s subway system - the report said. Madathil, who has been a train operator for two years, said he “exited the train” and went to the bleeding victim before calling the control centre for medical attention. The victim was treated for a cut on his forehead at Mount Sinai Medical Centre, and police are investigating the incident for possible bias.
“I just try to stay focused at all times when I operate, just watch the tracks and platform, just be alert,” Madathil explained how he always tries to be ready for the unexpected. The suspected attacker remains on the loose. During the attack, he said something to the victim, who did not understand him, the report quoted the police as saying. New York City has seen an uptick in hate crime against Asians.
