Stunning video shows barbers running out of their shop to rescue a toddler from oncoming traffic

In any given circumstance, ordinary people can surprisingly rise to heroism. Whether it is a split-second decision or a series of actions that can save somebody else's life, the potential for bravery lies within everyone. Two barbers from East Hartford, Connecticut, received recognition for their quick thinking while saving a toddler who almost ran into a busy traffic intersection. The East Hartford Police Department shared a post on Facebook, revealing how Osvaldo Lugo and Rafael Santana of LookSharp Barbershop acted swiftly to prevent a grave accident from happening. 

The caption read, "Their swift action saved a little toddler who had escaped from her mother and started moving towards traffic on Main Street. Thanks to them, a potential tragedy was averted, and a family remains whole. We're incredibly grateful for these everyday heroes among us!" Lugo shared the shocking CCTV footage on his Instagram account, where it has amassed 63K views and 1086 likes. In the video, we can see the toddler on the street, running quickly to the traffic intersection. One of the two barbers quickly notices the little girl speeding by and suddenly realizes what is about to happen.

As the toddler approaches the busy intersection, the barbers do not waste time and bolt out the door. The toddler barely manages to reach the zebra crossing before one of the barbers picks her up, carrying her to safety. His companion stays back to make sure no vehicles are coming from behind them. The duo seems to be asking the toddler details of where she is from and begins walking out of the frame, presumably to take her back to her family. Lugos wrote in the caption, "This was a scary experience. I'm still a little shaken up!" People commended the barbers for their quick thinking in the comment section. 

@romeo198011 said, "Yo, that's amazing. You saved her life. You're definitely a hero. @h3nny_19 expressed, "Omg, my whole heart sank when she just ran! God bless them!" Another individual, @sunshineandrozes, pointed out, "Thank goodness because you could've been looking anywhere else but out that window!" @luckydogrefuge commented, "Community takes care of their people. This is what that means. You guys sprung into action and saved that baby. True heroes." @daysims01 added, "This brought tears to my eyes! God bless you both for reacting so quickly and helping that precious child." 

Lugo spoke to WTNH and shared how he did not "think twice" when he saw the child running outside while he was in the middle of doing a haircut for a customer. The barber also revealed that after he rescued the child, he was able to track down the mother, who had not realized that her child had wandered away while waiting at a nearby bus stop. Lugo said, "The mom lost track for one quick second. It happens. It's happened to me before." He pointed out how the structure of the buildings and bus stop was such that it limited visibility, which is why the mother failed to notice that the child ran away from her.

You can follow Osvaldo Lugo (@obthebarber) on Instagram for more inspirational content.