Big Apple Subway Miracle

[dArKeR]

Bumped off a crowded subway platform and onto the tracks, Brandon Crismon did the one thing that could save his life as a train approached — he rolled between the rails.

Just inches above his head, the No. 5 train rolled over him before the train finally screeched to a halt.

The driver had seen Crismon on the tracks as the train reached the station Wednesday morning but couldn't stop in time, police said. Ten minutes later, rescuers removed the 34-year-old Internet brokerage employee, who was cut, bruised and had a broken leg.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/14/national/main568286.shtml

It's nice to see this guy had quick thinking but... I call this situation '3rd Wolrd GOP ecnomics' and '3rd World GOP Terrorism Incompetence'. Instead of wasting trillions of our tax dollars on a made up war, incompetense and waste in the Pentagon and White House... we could better spend out money. If anyone has been to HK, Singapore, Japan... many subway platforms have a glass wall with sliding (pre-doors). The pre-doors do not open until the train is stopped. It is a protection so children, elderly, no one could fall onto the platform.

[maha]

1. As a New Yorker

It's a wonder to me that more people don't fall off the platforms. However, given that such things actually are very rare, and the city is struggling to pay for things like garbage pickup and schools, I think this would go rather low on the To-Do list.

[dArKeR]

2. Why is there no money? Because Bush spent it all killing Muslims for oil

and incompetent management of our great economy which was left to him.

[dArKeR]

3. Most buildings in Taiwan have on-sight backup generators to let

people out of the elevators and/or clear the building if needed. The buildings I know of were built 10-15 years ago. I often make fun of Asia and their backwards ways, but am I'm being honest? Why doesn't rich powerful America have this?

Another, I've never understood why elevators are made so occupants can't let themselves out in an emergency? Is this some kind of elevator industry corruption? Did you see the CNN report of the guy who was stuck for 3 hours in total darkness? The CNN reporter admitted this was his 'personal worst nightmare'.

I think the media is purposely NOT reporting the horror stories and making this look like it was a OK time.

[pfitz59]

4. Many American buildings have backup generators!

Which failed because corporations have gutted maintenance for better bottom line!

[Cassandra]

5. To be fair to us

Most of our infrastructure is older than the much newer cities in Asia. It can be very expensive to upgrade, and it's so un-sexy to those who fund new construction.