Boston conductor prayed after woman fell on tracks

[November 11, 2009]  BOSTON (AP) -- The driver of a Boston subway train that stopped just inches short of a woman who had fallen onto the tracks says she expected the worst.

Charice (shuh-REES') Lewis told CBS's "The Early Show" on Wednesday that she said to herself, "Please God, let this woman be OK," before getting out of her cab to check. Lewis said the woman just smiled at her.

Lewis got a call from fellow Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority employee Jacqueline Osorio, who was standing on the platform at North Station on Friday night when she saw the woman tumble. Osorio said the scene was "horrific."

Both were recognized by the MBTA for their actions.

The woman who fell, Sophia Hartdegen, said in a statement that she was grateful to Lewis and all the people who helped her.

[Associated Press]

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