Blind man and dog survive being hit by train

A blind man and his guide dog were struck by a subway train in Manhattan after the man lost consciousness and they tumbled on to the tracks, but both escaped without serious injury.

Cecil Williams, 61, was on his way to the dentist during the morning rush hour when he felt faint on the 125th Street platform. His black Labrador named Orlando is trained to protect him from going over the edge.

“He tried to hold me up,” Williams said from his hospital bed.

Witnesses said the dog was barking frantically and tried to stop his owner from falling, but they fell when Williams fainted.

The train’s motorman slowed the subway cars while witnesses called for help. The two were struck, but not badly hurt.

“The dog saved my life,” Williams said. He said he was astonished by the help from emergency crews and bystanders on the platform.

As he regained consciousness, he heard someone telling him to be still. Emergency workers put him on a stretcher and pulled him from the subway, and made sure the dog was not badly injured.

“I’m feeling amazed,” Williams said. “I feel that God, the powers that be, have something in store from me. They didn’t take me away this time. I’m here for a reason.”

Williams is recovering in hospital, 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, who Williams described as serious but laid-back, was at the hospital making new friends. He will be rewarded with some type of special treat, Williams said, along with plenty of love and affection.

Williams, of Brooklyn, has been blind since 1995, and Orlando is his second dog. The lab will be 11 on Jan 5, and will be retiring soon, Williams said.