Gerard Beernaerts helped to save Winifred M. Lindsay from being struck by a train, Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 17, 2007. Lindsay, 89, was crossing a railroad track in her mobility scooter when one of the scooter’s wheels snagged. The scooter toppled, sending her to the pavement between the rails. With the scooter lying atop her, Lindsay was unable to get up. The crossing’s gates and bells were activated, indicating an approaching train, which was traveling on that track at about 35 m.p.h. A city bus arrived at the crossing, and its driver, Beernaerts, 50, ran to Lindsay on seeing her lying on the track. Another motorist had responded, and as she leaned forward and grasped Lindsay, Beernaerts pulled the scooter off her. With the train bearing down on them, although in emergency braking, Beernaerts and the other motorist pulled Lindsay from the track. The other motorist then fell beside the track, the front of the train passing them within seconds. The train continued for more than 600 feet before stopping.
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