If some of us from time to time imagine an emergency situation where somehow something dreadful happens to us in an accident, perhaps it comes to mind the comforting thought that bystanders would immediately rush to aid us in our state of desperation. And, for the most part, we're likely right in thinking that, since most people probably would respond in sympathy and compassion for some poor unfortunate whom fate has struck a blow in a public place.

That wasn't what happened a year ago in Montreal on a subway platform when Radil Hebrich, a 59-year-old man in a state of inebriation, became vulnerable because of his lack of caution; so much so that he veered too close to the danger zone close to the subway tracks and a passing train hit his head, leaving him splayed over the yellow safety line, his head bleeding copiously from the accident.

What happened next has been described as the "bystander effect", closed circuit video cameras of the Montreal transit authority picked up the presence of an estimated 40 passersby who momentarily glanced in the direction of the fallen, mortally wounded man, then carried on to their destination. Three subway drivers passing the station carried on; one is assumed to have called 911. The third to pause briefly to exit the train, remaining at a "respectful distance", then resuming his position in his cabin, the train speeding on.

Paramedics arrived 16 minutes after Radil Hebrich was hit by the train. The dreadful accident at Langelier station, resulting from a man not in complete control stumbling across the platform ended in his death in hospital. After the arrival of first-responders another lapse of three minutes occurred before an effort was made to restore breath into his body.

"At the end of the day, there are not many positive things to write about this rescue attempt. The indifference of the passengers says a lot about the apathy of citizens", remarked coroner Jacques Ramsay.