Joseph N. Otero saved Andrew A. Kirby from being struck by a train, Buena Park, California, January 19, 1989. Andrew, 1, and four other children were passengers in a car driven by Andrew’s aunt, when it stopped on a railroad track on which a train was approaching at 79 m.p.h. Working nearby, Otero, 44, railroad trackman, ran to the driver’s door and helped the aunt and four of the children from the car as the train, its brakes applied, drew closer. Otero then partially entered the car through the driver’s door, grasped Andrew, who was on the front seat, and carried him away from the car. Seconds later, the train, travelling at about 50 m.p.h. struck the car. Otero, who fell while running from the car, was treated at a hospital for a bruised shoulder. He recovered.
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