Elsies man to be honoured after saving dog’s life on train track

A train driver from Elsies River will receive an award after he was credited for saving the life of dog that was on the track.

Riyaad Sampson was driving the train between Steenberg and Lakeside Stations when he noticed in the distance there was something on the track. “As drivers we must always be aware of any obstructions on the track. You cannot endanger commuters’ lives by driving over something on the track, that is why I reduced speed to see what was ahead. When I got closer, I realised it was a dog just sitting there,” says Sampson.

Sampson, a dog owner himself, says when he saw it was a dog, he brought the train to a stop. “For me it was as good as if a human being was on the track. I tried to chase it away, but it just looked at me.

I didn’t want to get too close, because I was scared that it was going to bite me while I was still on duty. I also could not stay outside too long because I had a train full of people who could get restless. Eventually I decided to use the train’s siren to get the dog off the tracks. It did not get off, but it started running on the tracks,” says Sampson.

Riyaad Sampson in front of the train he was driving.

He drove slowly behind the dog until they reached Lakeside Station, where someone noticed the dog and alerted the local neighbourhood watch. The dog was reunited with its owner. “I know that dogs are part of people’s family, and I am extremely proud that I noticed it just in time. I am glad that he is reunited with the family,” says Sampson, who has been working for Prasa for 22 years, 11 years as a driver.

His good deed did not go unnoticed as someone saw it and posted about it online, where the animal organisation Paws-a-While noticed it. They will now give him an award as well as nominating him for the City of Cape Town’s civic honour award.

Carolyn Dudgeon from Paws-a-While says Sampson’s act of kindness and compassion not only saved the life of an innocent animal but also touched the hearts of many. “Compassion is important because it reminds us of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all living beings.”