A supermarket manager is being lauded as a hero after a dramatic rescue of a toddler who ran into oncoming traffic in Puebla, Mexico. The incident, captured on CCTV footage posted by the supermarket SuperKing El Rey Del Ahorro, shows the critical moments that could have led to a tragedy.
Luis Cruz, the supermarket manager, was operating a forklift outside the store when he noticed a three-year-old girl break away from her guardians and sprint towards a busy road. The footage shows two adults, a man and a woman, chasing after the child, with the woman falling as the girl reached the sidewalk's edge.
As the toddler continued onto the road, two cars approached. Cruz immediately abandoned his work and rushed into the street. He lunged for the child, managing to grab her and shield her with his body as he fell. The approaching vehicles managed to slow to a stop just meters away.
After regaining his footing, Cruz returned the unharmed girl to her parents. Traffic resumed, and Cruz returned to his duties.
In recognition of his bravery, Super King El Rey Del Ahorro named Cruz "Manager of the Year" and awarded him 20,000 Mexican pesos, approximately $1,200. The supermarket posted on Instagram, praising Cruz for his decisive action in a dangerous situation, emphasizing that he had no prior connection to the child.
The supermarket stated that while no reward can fully compensate for his heroism, they hoped the sum would serve as a token of their gratitude. The post concluded by calling Cruz "Puebla's new superhero."
