Hero MTA workers avert tragedy on subway tracks in Flatbush, Brooklyn

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Thursday, August 8, 2019
Hero MTA workers avert tragedy on subway tracks in Flatbush, Brooklyn
Kemberly Richardson reports on the 2 MTA workers who averted tragedy on tracks in Brooklyn.

FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Two MTA workers are being recognized for quick-thinking teamwork that prevented a tragedy in Brooklyn.

It happened Wednesday morning at Newkirk Plaza station in Flatbush.

The MTA says signal maintainer Anthony Mannino was working at the station when he saw a woman on the northbound local track.

He didn't waste a second and quickly flagged the operator of an oncoming Q train to let him know there was trouble on the tracks.

"I didn't have anything other than my vest, thank God I had my vest on cause he was able to see the vest," Mannino said.

Larry Moreno pulled the emergency brakes, stopping the northbound train just three feet from the woman.

"Once I saw him coming across the tracks, I knew something was wrong," Moreno said.

Moreno said he'll never forget the blank look on the woman's face as he stopped the train about three feet away from her.

The woman was unharmed and simply walked away. By the time police arrived she was gone.

"I really believe it's God's way of saying she got a second chance," Mannino said.

The MTA praised the workers' "quick actions and diligence," and described them as heroes.

WATCH: Hero MTA workers describe how they averted tragedy

The incident came just a week after a similar incident, in which an MTA operator stopped a G train in time to avoid hitting a woman on the tracks at Fulton Street station in Brooklyn.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 741-741 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even if it feels like it, you are not alone.

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