Vian, Oklahoma – A dramatic rescue unfolded on June 24 when a pedestrian was pinned beneath a train about 40 feet off the ground on a bridge just west of Vian.

At around 1 PM, Vian Police Department received a call reporting the train versus pedestrian accident. Miraculously, the victim was awake and alert when help arrived.

Officers Sgt. Kevin Kirk, Captain Robert Allen, Officer Anna Male, and Officer Richard Scroggins rushed to the scene, hiking a quarter-mile through thick brush, high weeds, and large slag gravel along the tracks.

They found the victim trapped about 50 feet onto the bridge, pinned under the train.

Without hesitation, Sgt. Kirk shed his gear and climbed the outside of the train along the bridge’s edge to reach the trapped individual.

Firefighters Dennis Fletcher and Jason Fieldgrove soon arrived, with Captain Allen navigating the railing to assist.

Pafford EMS and Fire Chief Keith Boshers also joined the effort.

While Sgt. Kirk and firefighters worked to free the victim, Chief Boshers coordinated with Union Pacific to separate the train just short of the victim’s location and arranged for Air Evac to be on standby.

After freeing the victim, the team carefully moved them away from under the train. Captain Allen and Pafford EMS helped carry the victim off the bridge.

Firefighters, EMS, Vian Police, and Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Deputies then assisted the injured individual to an awaiting ambulance.

Despite sweltering heat and humidity, the rescuers risked their own safety, walking narrow railings dangling 40 feet above ground to save a stranger’s life.

Their bravery showed true heroism in action.

Today was a great day to be called a Wolverine.

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