Train driver loses right leg after saving elderly woman on railway tracks

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

A train conductor lost his leg when he saved a woman’s life by dragging her off the rail tracks.

Xu Qiankai, 29, was driving a train in Southeast China when he saw a woman crossing the tracks ahead of him.

Despite pulling the emergency brake and sounding the horn, the woman froze on the spot, as reported by local news.

He jumped off the train and ran towards the woman, who had either ignored or not noticed the warning signs against crossing the tracks.

In less than 10 seconds, Xu had dragged the woman to safety but his right leg had been injured.

Xu was taken to hospital, where doctors amputated his right leg at the knee.

“Even though I lost my leg, I saved a life,” Xu told the Chongqing Evening News from his hospital bed.

“If I had to do it again, I would do the same thing.”

The woman visited Xu in hospital and reportedly kneeled down in front of his bed to show her gratitude.

She is reportedly hard of hearing and did not hear the train’s horn.