MBTA worker saves man from burning cab

ARLINGTON, Mass. -- A MBTA worker is being hailed a hero after he pulled an injured passenger from a burning taxi in Arlington.

The taxi driver lost control on Route 60, went through an intersection in Arlington, and slammed into a tree on Monday morning.

“I’m just seeing this car flying straight across, coming from nowhere that I don’t know and just right, bam! It hit the tree,” said John Bailey, who rescued the victim.

Bailey, an MBTA worker from Medford, noticed flames shooting from the engine and raced to help while others called 911.

“Everyone was talking about 911. My instinct was just go down to the car and see who’s in that car and get them out,” said Bailey.

Bailey found a semiconscious passenger inside, and the taxi driver had apparently been ejected. Bailey said he and another man yanked the passenger from the taxi just moments before it burst into flames.

“I just kept saying ‘Please God. Don’t let anybody else be in that car.’” said Bailey.

Ironically, Bailey wasn’t even supposed to be there. He was on his way to work and had to turn around because of car trouble.

“Life is funny. You know it’s just strange how people are there. You read it in the paper all the time, people are there at the right time,” said Bailey.

“They [Bailey’s actions] were heroic. If he had not pulled that gentleman out of the car there could have been a lot more serious injuries,” said Arlington Fire Chief Robert Jefferson.

The taxi driver was cited for reckless driving and other charges. Both he and the passenger were listed in fair condition at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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