ĐỒNG NAI — Two rail workers have been hailed heroes after saving a woman from certain death on a level crossing.

The brave employees rescued the 77-year-old Phan Thị Cẩm just seconds before a speeding train passed through.

At 8.20am Tuesday, at the railway crossing in Quyết Thắng Ward, Biên Hoà City in the southern province of Đồng Nai, the pedestrian walked through after the barrier had closed.

But as she crossed over the track she tripped and was facedown on the floor as the speeding train approached.

Quick-thinking staff from the Sài Gòn Railway Joint Stocks Company leapt into action.

Nguyễn Thị Minh, 35, and 32-year-old Đỗ Thị Lan, rushed to the elderly lady’s aid, grabbed her and pulled her to safety just two seconds before the train went by.

The pair said they tried to stop the woman from crossing, but she ignored their requests.

“When the woman reached the railway, she fell down,” Minh said. “Instinctively we just rushed to pull her out.”

Modest Lan added: “Saving the woman is part of the job we have to do.”

Vũ Anh Minh, chairman of Việt Nam Railway Corporation has sent complimentary letters to the two workers, calling them heroes for their bravery.

Minh also said that with increasing passengers who use trains to travel during Tết holidays, the number of trains increased.

Railway staff worked hard and have high responsibilities to ensure safety for people and trains, he said.

“The brave action of Minh and Lan helps make us feel how precious life is. Faced with a life or death situation, the women acted heroically.” — VNS