Woman saves elderly man from falling off moving train

A 59-year-old woman’s quick reaction averted a possible tragedy at Thrippunithura railway station near Kochi on Friday morning, saving the life of a fellow passenger who nearly fell from a moving train, according to local media reports.

Usha Suresh Babu, a nutritionist from the Kochi suburbs, had just boarded the Vanchinad Express when she noticed a man struggling to get into the adjacent coach.

The train, which halts for only a minute at the station, had already started moving when 71-year-old Muhammed Abdul attempted to board and lost his footing.

“I heard someone cry for help and turned to see a hand slipping away from the coach door,” Usha told the media.

Without hesitation, she rushed to grab Abdul’s arm and held on tightly while shouting for assistance. Her cries alerted two co-passengers — college lecturers Sumi Joy Oliapuram and Santhosh T Varghese — who immediately pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt. With the help of a young man nearby, they safely pulled Abdul back into the compartment.

Abdul sustained minor injuries and was first taken to Thrippunithura Taluk Hospital before being shifted to Kalamassery Medical College for further treatment.

“I didn’t think twice. I just acted,” said Usha, humbly downplaying her heroic act. “I’m grateful nothing serious happened.”

Her presence of mind and swift response earned praise from railway officials and fellow travellers.