November 24th proved to be an exceptionally dangerous day in the New York City underground. Two women were killed in separate subway accidents in New York within hours of each other.
The first accident occurred during the early morning commute. At roughly 6:30AM, an unidentified woman (who was believed to be in her thirties) was killed in East New York’s Pennsylvania Avenue station. Preliminary reports suggest the woman may have jumped onto the tracks but an investigation into the subway death is ongoing.
The second accident claimed the life of a 40-year old woman at the 79th Street station on the Upper West Side at roughly 10:30 AM. The train operator saw the woman on the tracks and applied the brakes but the train was travelling too fast to stop in time. The woman was killed instantly. In this case, nobody saw how the woman ended up on the tracks.
Regardless of the causes, subway safety proponents say that measures should be taken to protect New Yorkers and tourists waiting on platforms. The MTA reported that in 2013 there were 53 fatal subway accidents in New York City (actually lower than previous years). However, there was a dramatic 7% increase in the total number of people struck by trains. Although, the MTA has launched a publicity campaign to educate riders about standing back from the edge of platforms, victim advocates say that isn’t enough.
These individuals cite safety measures in other cities which include barriers that keep people from falling, jumping, or being pushed onto the tracks and reduced in-station train speeds as effective methods of saving lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a subway accident or have lost a loved one in a fatal accident in New York City subway system , you or your family may be entitled to financial compensation. Speak with a qualified New York City subway accident attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.