Boston subway train stops just short of woman on tracks; driver hailed as hero

. (AP Photo/Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority via AP Television Network)

In this image made from a Friday surveillance video provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, a woman lies on the subway tracks at Boston's North Station after falling off of the platform. She told authorities she had been drinking.

Associated Press

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 11:01 AM

BOSTON - The driver of Boston subway train that came to a screeching halt just before hitting a woman who had fallen onto the tracks has been hailed as a hero.

Charice Lewis got a radio call from fellow Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority employee Jacqueline Osorio, who was standing on the platform at North Station on Friday night when she saw the woman tumble.

Lewis, who saw passengers on the platform frantically waving their arms, immediately tugged her emergency brake.

The woman, whose name was not made public, suffered some scrapes and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. She told authorities she had been drinking.

Lewis and Osorio were recognized by state Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan on Monday and received a call of congratulations from Gov. Deval Patrick.

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