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Blind man and guide dog struck by slow-moving subway car in New York Blind man who fell on New York subway tracks: 'guide dog saved my life'
(about 17 hours later)
New York City police say a 60-year-old blind man and his guide dog tumbled onto subway tracks and were struck by a slow-moving train. Gallant guide dog Orlando, a black Labrador retriever, bravely leapt on to the tracks at a Manhattan subway platform on Tuesday after his blind owner lost consciousness and tumbled in front of an oncoming train.
The accident happened during morning rush hour Tuesday on the A train at 145th Street. Cecil Williams, 61, and Orlando both escaped serious injury when the train passed over top of them – a miraculous end to a harrowing ordeal that began when Williams began to feel faint on his way to the dentist.
Witnesses told the New York Post that the man was shuffling near the edge of the platform when his 11-year-old black Labrador, Orlando, started barking and the man fell down onto the tracks. Witnesses say the dog jumped down after him. “He tried to hold me up,” an emotional Williams said from his hospital bed, his voice breaking at times.
The motorman slowed the train and the man and his dog were not badly hurt. The man is in stable condition, and the dog is with him at a hospital. Witnesses said Orlando began barking frantically and tried to stop Williams from falling from the platform. Matthew Martin told the New York Post that Orlando jumped down and tried to rouse Williams even as a train approached.
Police are investigating, but no criminal behavior is suspected. They said the lab is a certified guide dog. “He was kissing him, trying to get him to move,” Martin said.
Witnesses called for help and the train’s operator slowed his approach as Williams and Orlando lay in the trench between the rails.
“The dog saved my life,” Williams said.
As Williams regained consciousness, he said he heard someone telling him to be still. Emergency workers put him on a stretcher and pulled him from the subway, and made sure Orlando was not badly injured.
“I’m feeling amazed,” Williams said. “I feel that God, the powers that be, have something in store for me. They didn’t take me away this time. I’m here for a reason.”
Williams was taken to a hospital where he is expected to recover, with Orlando at his bedside. Williams, a large bandage on his head, said he is not sure why he lost consciousness, but he is on insulin and other medications.
Orlando, described by Williams as serious but laid-back, was making new friends at the hospital. He will be rewarded with some kind of special treat, Williams said, along with plenty of affection and scratches behind the ears.
“[He] gets me around and saves my life on a daily basis,” Williams said.
Williams, of Brooklyn, has been blind since 1995, and Orlando is his second dog. The lab will be 11 on 5 January, and will be retiring soon, Williams said. His health insurance will not cover the cost of a non-working dog, so he will be looking for a good home for him.
If he had the money, Williams said, “I would definitely keep him.”
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