World News for Students of English

28-04-2026 07:00

Robert Butler, an Arizona utility worker, became a local hero after he saved a toddler from heavy rush-hour traffic in downtown Phoenix.

The dramatic event occurred on March 19 when a small child suddenly ran away from a parent toward a dangerous four-lane road.

A supervisor first spotted the child but couldn’t help because a locked gate blocked his path. Fortunately, Butler was driving his truck nearby and saw the emergency unfolding. Although he doesn’t usually drive on that specific street, he managed to pull over and jump out of his vehicle just in time. He sprinted toward the toddler and caught the child only feet away from fast cars. A video from a surveillance camera shows that a large truck drove past the exact spot only seconds later.

Butler, who has a two-year-old son, became very emotional when he spoke about the rescue. He explained that as a parent, he knows how fast children can move. He hopes this story acts as a reminder for all drivers to stay alert and pay attention to their surroundings.

Difficult words: utility worker (a person who works for a company that provides water, electricity, or gas), unfold (when a story or situation happens and you see what is going on), alert (watchful and ready to act quickly).

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