Trouble on the tracks

An elderly tourist was nearly crushed to death by the Downeaster this morning on Pier Street. Local boy saved his life.

Francois Truffaut, 80, has been coming down to Old Orchard Beach since he was a young child. Today however, his Cadillac Seville stalled on the railroad tracks. The diabetic quickly became unconscious.

James Laboke, 17, was on his way to work at the Eezy Breezy on East Grand Street when he came across the The unconscious man in the car. Laboke said he tried to bang on the windows, but Truffault did not wake up. Laboke ran to the police station knowing that a train would be coming soon. According to police records Laboke arrived at the station at 6:00 AM.

Cpt. Janet Paradiso was a mile away from the car when she heard the call. By 6:05 AM she was at the scene and heard the whistle from the oncoming train.

Acting quickly she used her cruiser to push Truffault car off of the tracks. "I knew there was no time I had to do something." Paradiso later said. Moments later the train sped by "It was that close," Paradiso said.

Truffault was sent to Southern Maine Medical Center and his reported to be stable. "I don't remember a thing." he comented on the incident.