NewsHeroic Italian train driver sacrifices life to save 87 passengers

Heroic Italian train driver sacrifices life to save 87 passengers

Tragedy on the Pescara-Sulmona route: a 61-year-old from San Severo managed to activate the emergency brake before death.

Images source: © East News | VITTORIO ARCIERI

ed. MUP

2 April 2024 13:57

Italy was brought to a standstill by the heroic actions of a train driver who, despite suffering a heart attack at the helm, summoned his remaining strength to engage the brakes, bringing the train to a safe stop with 87 passengers onboard. Tragically, the driver did not survive the ordeal.

The heartbreaking incident occurred last week on a regional route from Pescara to Sulmona in central Italy's Abruzzo region. The journey came to an abrupt halt around 15:40 GMT, roughly twelve miles from its starting point in the open fields near the village of Brecciarola di Cheti. The driver, experiencing severe chest pains, was faced with a life-threatening situation.

In the midst of the heart attack, he heroically managed to bring the Trenitalia train to a stop, averting a potential disaster and saving the lives of many.

Antonio D'Acci, 61, was the seasoned railway worker behind this valiant act. With nearly four decades of experience driving trains across Italy, he demonstrated unfathomable bravery in his final act, safeguarding nearly 90 lives, as reported by "Il Messaggero".

After the incident, despite the swift arrival of medical rescuers and the crew's efforts to provide first aid, D'Acci could not be saved. To commemorate his heroic deed, local authorities are considering renaming the local railway station in his honour. This gesture speaks volumes of the community's gratitude and respect for D'Acci's sacrifice.

Source: Il Messaggero