Police in Los Angeles, US, pulled a pilot from a small plane just moments before an incoming commuter train hit it. The plane had crashed onto railroad tracks near Whiteman airport in Pacoima.

The pilot averted death twice in minutes on Sunday. First when he crash-landed onto the tracks, and second, when police officers rescued him. The small plane had engine failure during its takeoff from the airport, and it went down only moments later.

Police officers arrived at the crash scene almost immediately, as the local station was very close. Officers had requested to stop all train activity; however, it didn¡¯t happen. One officer stood by the plane, trying to keep the seated pilot awake. When bells and flashing lights signaled an oncoming train, the officers dragged the man away only seconds before the train smashed through the plane.

According to local media, the pilot was treated at hospital for cuts and bruises, and no one on board the train was injured.

Difficult words: commuter (a person who travels for work or to other places), avert (to turn away), in minutes (in a short time).