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Oct 2, 2008 5:19 pm US/Central
Cleburne Man, Cut In Two By Train, Talks To CBS 11
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
His story inspired people around the world. While pinned beneath the steel wheels of a train car, literally cut in two, a Cleburne man still managed to use a cell phone to call 911 and his family. Thursday CBS 11 News spoke with the courageous man about the accident, the recovery process and his life now.
When a medical helicopter brought Truman Duncan to the hospital two years ago doctors say they were amazed he was still alive.
Caught by a moving rail car, Duncan was literally cut in two. Watch the CBS 11 News report from September 2006. Rescue workers managed to free him and rush him to the hospital.
Despite being cut from the upper thigh on one side, to just below his rib cage on the other, Duncan hung on. He even managed to dial 911 while still trapped underneath the rail car.
Now, he continues rehabilitation Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital.
Duncan says he's adjusting to life without legs. Speaking to the media Thursday, he said at the time of the accident his only thoughts were of his three children.
When people tell him they're amazed by his story -- even inspired -- he has the same answer. "I say, well you'd do the same thing. You want to live. You want to see your kids grow up. You know, I'm no different than you."
Duncan says he hopes to be an inspiration for those who find themselves suddenly facing physical challenges. His advice - fight through it and remember life does go on.
The doctor who first treated Duncan calls him, the 'miracle man'. "Without the attitude that he had and the desire to live, I don't think he would have," said Harris Methodist Trauma Director Dr. David Smith. "I credit him with his own survival."
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