While New York City is known for the high rises and skyscrapers that dominate its skyline, the city is also known for the extensive subway system that runs beneath the city's streets. According to the Metro Transit Authority, during 2014 alone, an estimated 1.751 billion people rode along with New York City's 21-route subway system.
On a weekly basis, some 5.6 million people rely upon the city's subway system for their transportation needs and while the vast majority of riders arrive safely at their destinations, some, unfortunately, do not.
This past Monday evening at around 6:45 p.m., a 51-year-old man suffered fatal injuries after being dragged by an MTA train. According to eyewitnesses and the police report, the horrific accident occurred at the Union Turnpike-Kew Gardens station as the man attempted to board a train car. For reasons that are still being investigated, the car's doors closed on and trapped the man's body. The train then began moving, dragging the man some 30 feet before he was able to break free and fall onto the platform. Witnesses who called 911 and stayed with the man until emergency response personnel arrived reported that he suffered a severe head injury as well as injuries to his torso.
When questioned about the accident, an MTA union spokesperson was not able to provide answers as to how the man's body became stuck in the door. Additionally, the spokesperson was not able to provide details as to why the "train's crew didn't immediately realize he was stuck." Police tested the entire train crew for drugs and alcohol and continue to investigate factors that may have contributed to the man's death.
While thankfully rare, accidents involving MTA trains and stations can and do happen and when they do, passengers often suffer serious injuries. From injuries suffered in a train accident to those suffered in a slip-and-fall accident down a broken staircase, individuals may be able to recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
