Brighten Your Day

Brave Teen Rescues Woman In Wheelchair Seconds Before Oncoming Train

February 21, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Giles County, Tennessee.

In a heart-stopping act of heroism, 18-year-old Lilly Baker is being hailed as a savior after risking her life to rescue an elderly woman stuck on the railroad tracks last week in Tennessee.

Credit: NewsChannel5 / YouTube

Lilly was on her way to meet friends when she noticed an older woman struggling to navigate the railroad tracks in a wheelchair. Without hesitation, Lilly jumped out of her car and rushed over to assist. However, their attempts were thwarted as both Lilly and the elderly woman fell twice, struggling to get out of harm's way.

As the pair scrambled to their feet, Lilly suddenly realized the imminent danger - a train was fast approaching. The blaring horn and flashing lights signaled the urgency of the situation.

"He was honking his horn and the lights started flashing. I was like, 'Oh no, we gotta go now!'" Lilly recalled the terrifying moment.

With adrenaline pumping, Lilly managed to pull both herself and the elderly woman to safety just seconds before the train sped past. The narrow escape left Lilly shaken, describing it as a "near-death experience."

"It's a near-death experience, and I've never really been that close to death," she shared. The railroad company later informed her that they were only 18 inches away from being struck by the train, sending shivers down her spine.

Ardmore Police Chief Jereme Robison, recounting the incident to WKRN, said, "She barely gets herself out of the way, and the train actually still clips the lady's leg and spins her around. I mean, it was like a split second. They almost died.”

The elderly woman, though injured, is now in the hospital and expected to recover from the major leg injuries sustained during the incident. Lilly's swift and courageous actions have garnered widespread praise, with the community expressing gratitude for her selfless act that prevented a potential tragedy on the railroad tracks.

Watch the good news video below.