Hero of Russian subway bombing recounts life-and-death moments

The train driver was hailed as a hero for making a wise decision just as the train was being bombed, helping save many lives.

Train driver Alexandr Kaverin. Photo: Sputnik

"There was a loud bang and a cloud of dust and smoke. I immediately contacted traffic control and warned them about the situation on the train," said the 50-year-old train driver.AlexanderKaverin recounted the moment the bomb exploded on the St. Petersburg subway train on April 3, according to Interfax.

Kaverin said he then received a series of frantic calls through the passenger-driver hotline. "Alarm calls were ringing simultaneously from every carriage. I reported the situation to the control station and"I decided to follow the instructions in an emergency situation," he said.

Kaverin then continued driving the train into the station, without stopping in the tunnel.Experts say the death toll could have been much higher if Kaverin had panicked and stopped the train in the tunnel, where rescuers could not quickly reach the victims because of the tight space.

The train driver confirmed that passengers were generally not panicking and were ready to help the victims with subway staff.

"We only really knew what had happened when the train stopped. Luckily, three experienced operators were on duty at the station. When they were alerted, they rushed to the platform to meet the train," said Kaverin. After checking, they learned that an explosion had occurred on board the train.

Mr Kaverin was hailed as a hero for his calm handling of the disaster and the St. Petersburg authorities were recommended to award him for his bravery during the bombing.

The bombing occurred on April 3 between the Sennaya and Technological Institute metro stations in St. Petersburg, killing 11 people and injuring 50.

The Kyrgyz Republic said the suspect was Akbarzhon Jalilov, born in 1995 in the country's city of Osh.

According to VNE