A security video shows Atlanta resident Addie Norfleet walk down a flight of stairs and onto the Medical Center MARTA station platform.
Then she keeps on going.
Norfleet, who is visually impaired, can be seen taking five steps toward the edge of the platform. On the sixth step, she’s off the edge.
The minute-long video doesn't show her falling – that portion of the tracks cannot be seen -- but it does show her wheeled luggage tipping off of the edge behind her.
The lights of a southbound MARTA train glow in the distance as it approaches the station.
But Norfleet wasn’t the only one wanting to take that train at 3:33 p.m. on July 12; the video shows others standing on the platform as well.
One man turned to another – his eyes wide in horror – and then both of them, along with a woman, run to the platform’s edge.
By this time, the train is slowing and preparing to stop.
Others run to the edge of the platform and wave their arms vigorously in efforts to get the driver to notice Norfleet and the people trying to save her.
One woman opens a red-and-white umbrella, shaking it in the air.
The train stops.
Seconds later, the video shows two men hoisting up Norfleet by her arms, sitting her on the platform.
Norfleet told MARTA police a man assisted in getting her back on the platform.
She doesn’t name him, and neither does the police report.
She wasn’t seriously injured, but rescue workers did treat Norfleet for pain on her left rib and right ankle, the report said.
“The safety of our passengers is MARTA’s top priority. We are extremely grateful for the quick and selfless reactions on the part of several brave passengers, and for the professionalism of our train operator, who prevented this unfortunate incident from resulting in any serious injuries,” MARTA spokesman Lyle Harris said.
Staff writer Ariel Hart contributed to this article
About the Author