NYC subway horror: Passenger set ablaze in shocking attack
A tragic incident happened on the New York City subway where a passenger was set on fire. Authorities promptly located and apprehended the attacker.
A tragic incident occurred in the New York City subway. A sleeping passenger was set on fire. Sadly, the victim died due to the burns sustained. According to the Polish Press Agency, the assailant, who initially fled, was soon apprehended by the police on another subway train.
Police Commissioner Jessika Tisch announced that the disturbing event took place on the route to the final station of the "F" line in Brooklyn. The attacker used a lighter, and the flames quickly engulfed the victim's clothing. Police managed to extinguish the fire, but emergency responders declared the woman deceased at the scene.
CNN reported that the police released surveillance images, which aided in quickly locating and arresting the suspect in downtown Manhattan. A lighter was found on the detainee.
Heightened security measures
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of an additional 250 National Guard soldiers to enhance city security during the holidays. Cameras are installed in every subway carriage.
Hochul's office reported that since the security plan's implementation in May, subway crime has decreased by 10 per cent, and since January 2021 by 42 per cent. Nevertheless, as CNN emphasizes, a series of high-profile violent incidents on the subway in recent years is causing concern among residents.
Safety in the New York City subway
The act of setting a sleeping passenger on fire is not the first tragic event to unfold on the New York City subway. In February of this year, there was a shooting at Mount Eden Avenue station in the Bronx. One person was killed and five were injured. Witnesses described passengers fleeing the train seeking shelter from the gunfire.
According to the police, the incident stemmed from an argument between two groups of teenagers. The attack occurred during the peak evening hours, significantly increasing the number of potential victims. A 34-year-old man was killed in the shooting, and a young girl was among those injured. The police emphasize they were accidental witnesses.
Crime on the New York City subway, though rare, raises worries among residents. In 2023, 570 assaults were reported against over 3.8 million daily journeys.
