Subway horror: Passenger set ablaze in shocking NYC attack
A tragic incident occurred in the New York City subway when one of the passengers was set on fire. Authorities quickly located and apprehended the perpetrator of the attack.
A sleeping passenger was set on fire and unfortunately died as a result of the burns sustained. According to the Polish Press Agency, the perpetrator, who initially fled the scene, was quickly apprehended by the police on another subway train.
Police Commissioner Jessika Tisch announced that the dramatic 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 officers extinguished the fire, but emergency responders declared the woman dead.
CNN reported that the police released surveillance photos, which helped quickly locate and arrest the suspect in downtown Manhattan. A lighter was found on the detainee.
Also read: A doctor died on a Greek island. It's known why he didn't take his phone on a solitary walk.
Heightened security measures
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of an additional 250 National Guard soldiers to enhance security in the city during the holidays. Cameras are installed in every subway car.
Hochul's office reported that since the implementation of the security plan in May, subway crime has dropped by 10 percent, and since January 2021 by 42 percent. Nevertheless, as CNN emphasizes, a series of high-profile violent incidents in the subway in recent years is causing concern among residents.
Safety in the New York City subway
The setting fire to a sleeping passenger is not the first tragedy that has unfolded in 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 in search of shelter from the gunfire.
According to the police, the incident began with an argument between two groups of teenagers. The attack occurred during peak evening hours, which significantly increased the number of potential victims. A 34-year-old man was killed in the shooting, and a little girl was among those injured. The police emphasize that they were accidental witnesses.
Crime in the New York City subway, though rare, raises concerns among residents. In 2023, 570 assaults were reported against the backdrop of over 3.8 million daily rides.
