Operator speaks out after stopping train from hitting Asian man shoved onto tracks

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Letters to the Editor — April 23, 2021

A quick-thinking operator managed to stop his F train about 30 feet from a man who was pushed onto the tracks at a Queens subway station Monday morning.

Subway operator Tobin Madathil told The Post that he was pulling into the 21st Street-Queensbridge station around 7:45 a.m. when he jumped into action once he thought he saw something in his path.

“Right when I was coming into the station people were waving at me, and that’s when I immediately placed the train into emergency mode,” Madathil, 29, said in a phone Monday phone interview.

Moments earlier, a crazed suspect had shoved the Asian male onto the tracks — the latest in a spate of attacks in the city’s subway system.

Madathil said he was able to bring his train to a stop about 10 yards from the man.

“I’m glad I was able to stop on time and didn’t hit the guy, thank God!” the operator said.

About the same time, good Samaritans from the platform were also helping the victim up, according to Madathil.

“I exited the train and went to the victim. He was bleeding from the head,” recalled Madathil.

Madathil said he called the subway control center and requested medical attention. Soon after, EMS and police arrived, he said.

The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center with a cut on his forehead.

Two years into being a train operator, Madathil explained how he always tries to be ready for the unexpected.

“I just try to stay focused at all times when I operate, just watch the tracks and platform, just be alert,” he said.

The suspected subway shover remained on the loose Monday. During the attack, he said something to the victim, who did not understand him, cops said.

The crime is being investigated as a possible bias incident, according to police.

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