NEW YORK
Blind man, dog survive rail fall
A blind man and his guide dog were hit by a subway train Tuesday in Manhattan after the man lost consciousness and they fell to the tracks, but both escaped serious injury.
Cecil Williams, 61, said he was on his way to the dentist during the morning rush when he felt faint at 125th Street. Orlando, a black Lab, is trained to protect him from going over the edge. "He tried to hold me up," Williams said.
Witnesses said the dog barked frantically and tried to stop Williams from falling, but they both fell to the tracks. Both were struck but not badly hurt.
Orlando will be 11 on Jan. 5 and will be retiring soon, Williams said. His health insurance will not cover the cost of a nonworking dog, so Williams will be looking for a good home for Orlando. - AP