“Let me go, I want to jump in front of the train” – Budapest taxi driver saves elderly woman’s life
A Budapest taxi driver prevented a tragedy late at night after spotting an elderly woman standing on the railway tracks in the capital’s 10th district, holding a torch. Thanks to the driver’s quick reaction, the woman’s life was saved, and she was later taken to hospital.
The taxi driver didn’t hesitate
The incident took place on Wednesday night near a railway crossing on Kerepesi Road. The driver was transporting a passenger when he noticed the elderly woman standing dangerously close to the tracks. Sensing that something was seriously wrong, he immediately stopped the car, got out, and pulled the woman away from the tracks, guiding her to a safe distance. Meanwhile, his passenger called the emergency services.
According to a report by RTL Híradó, the woman appeared confused and distressed. She was not wearing a coat and was carrying what looked like a catheter bag. As the driver tried to prevent her from returning to the tracks, she repeatedly told him: “Let me go, I want to jump in front of the train.”
The lady said she felt hated by everyone
The taxi driver later told RTL that the situation was clearly alarming. “An elderly woman standing at a railway crossing with a torch and a catheter bag is not normal,” he said. Although the woman could not remember her own name, she was able to recall her home address. She reportedly said she was fed up with everything, felt hated by everyone, and believed she was seriously ill. Despite efforts by the driver and his passenger to calm her down and reassure her that this was not a solution, she remained highly agitated.
A video recording of the dramatic rescue later emerged, showing how the driver physically restrained the woman as she repeatedly tried to break free and return to the tracks. At one point, another taxi driver stopped to help. According to the footage, a train did pass through the crossing shortly afterwards, showing how narrowly disaster was avoided. The elderly woman reportedly tried several times to pull herself out of the driver’s grip, despite him being much stronger.
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly afterwards. As the woman resisted assistance, paramedics had to restrain her. No physical injuries were found, but due to her confused mental state, she was taken to hospital for further care.
Help is available
If you or someone you know is struggling, free and anonymous emotional support is available in Hungary 24 hours a day. You can call the mental health helpline on 116 123 or 06-80-810-600.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help before harming yourself. If you are worried about someone else, professional guidance can help you understand what to do.