Train Guard's Bravery: Saves Man from Imminent Collision in Egypt
In a heart-stopping moment at the Sadat Bridge crossing in Beni Suef, Egypt, railway crossing guard Tarek Mohamed, affectionately known as "Uncle Tarek," saved a young man from being hit by a speeding train.
Tarek was on duty, blowing his whistle to warn pedestrians of the approaching train when he noticed a young man disregarding the barriers and alarms, attempting to cross the tracks. Without a second thought, Tarek sprang into action.
With the train mere moments away, Tarek sprinted towards the young man, grabbed him, and yanked him away from the rails at the last possible moment. The incident was captured on surveillance camera, providing a testament to Tarek's quick thinking and bravery.
Onlookers could be heard shouting prayers of relief as the train passed through moments later. The young man's condition and identity after the incident remain unknown.
Tarek, however, considers his actions as a responsibility to protect lives, not heroism. He told local newspaper Youm7 that he felt it was life or death and that his body moved on its own to save the young man.
Ignoring barriers and alarms at railway crossings is a leading cause of fatal accidents on Egypt's rail network, according to the Ministry of Transport. Despite repeated warnings, such incidents continue to occur, but no information is provided about the number of incidents or the number of people injured in accidents caused by illegal railway crossings in Egypt.
The Ministry has repeatedly urged citizens not to cross railway lines illegally, but no information is available about any initiatives or campaigns to reduce these dangerous occurrences or any penalties for those who disregard the warnings.
Tarek Mohamed, the unsung hero of this story, continues his duty as a railway crossing guard, ensuring the safety of his community one day at a time. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and the selfless acts of individuals who put others' lives before their own.
