Teen crawls for help after train cuts off his leg

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. -- A suburban St. Louis teenager was being treated at a hospital after having his leg cut off by a freight train.

Police told STLtoday.com, the Web site for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, that 19-year-old Joseph Alexander somehow managed to crawl 50 yards for help, flagging down a passing motorist.

The incident happened Thursday afternoon in Webster Groves. Police don't know why Alexander was on the train tracks. His leg, some clothing and a skateboard were found about 50 yards from him.

The intersection is marked with flashing-light signals and gate arms. The train's engineer and conductor were not aware anyone was hit, and the train didn't stop.

Alexander underwent surgery Friday at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and was in critical but stable condition. A hospital spokeswoman said saving the leg wasn't possible.