THIS is the terrifying moment a heroic cop ran onto train tracks to save a toddler from certain death just seconds before a freight train crushed him.
A video taken from the driver’s box of the train caught the seconds leading up to the dramatic rescue.
The 29-wagon cargo train loaded up with stone was approaching the three-year-old boy who was standing alone on the tracks on Monday.
The small child – who was seen wearing a red shirt – appeared to be frozen in place despite the driver sounding the train’s horn repeatedly in an effort to startle him from the tracks.
In a split second act of bravery, the footage captured First Corporal Pablo Luna’s desperate sprint after spotting the boy.
The police officer had been patrolling the area on his motorcycle when he saw the impending disaster.
Reaching the tracks just seconds before the huge locomotive could hit the boy, Luna grabbed him and pulled him clear of the rails.
Grasping the boy by one arm, the cop quickly snatched the boy to safety.
The heart-stopping rescue unfolded in Cordoba, Argentina
Witnesses to the chilling ordeal said Luna did not hesitate, racing alongside the train and snatching the toddler to safety.
Local authorities have since praised the cop’s quick thinking bravery.
Cordoba governor Martin Llaryora said: “Putting your own life at risk to save another’s — that is what our police do every day, and today it was captured in this video.”
“Situations like this, of courage and bravery, happen daily,” he said.
“It is a source of pride that our police force is made up of men and women with such humanity and professionalism.”
Police later tracked down the boy’s mother.
The 24-year-old woman said her son had wandered away from home earlier in the morning.
His absence had gone unnoticed before he found his way onto the train tracks.
Authorities said Luna’s rapid response prevented a tragedy from happening.
It comes as at least 12 people were killed after a train crashed into a packed bus at a level crossing in Cumilla, Bangladesh.
The horror smash killed three members of the same family, including two children, and nine others.
An investigation has been launched into the crash that killed 12, injuring at least eight passengers.
