Two MTA workers were struck by a subway train in Brooklyn earlier this week while performing special track maintenance. This New York City subway accident claimed the life of one of the individuals and left the other victim in the hospital with undisclosed injuries.
Tragedy struck on tracks in Windsor Terrace between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Church Street Station. The two victims, 53-year old Lewis Grey who perished and Jeffrey Flemming, were part of a crew getting the G train’s track ready for overnight construction when a train came around the bend and struck them. A representative from the Transit Workers Union said the deadly subway accident in Brooklyn was the result of a “perfect storm.” Because neither the train’s operator nor the man on the tracks could see each other before it was too late to react.
All train traffic in the immediate area was stopped immediately but resumed shortly thereafter when it was determined no other workers were in danger. The NTSB’s rail safety team was called to perform a thorough investigation.
Mr. Grey’s death marks the 13th fatal subway accident in New York involving transit workers in the past 15 years. A union spokesperson said that number is incredibly low given that MTA employees regularly work on live rail lines and next to electrically charged third rails on a daily basis. But, the full investigation will reveal whether any safety procedures were ignored or not followed and whether train operator was at fault or contributed to this accident.
If so, a claim can be made against the MTA, New York City Transit Authority and New York City for financial compensation. Surviving victims can seek reimbursement for pain and suffering, lost wages and unpaid medical expenses. Dependents of victims who died on the job may be awarded compensation for funeral expenses and the loss of the financial support.
If you’ve been injured while working or riding NYC’s mass transit system, contact an experienced New York City subway accident lawyer immediately. Call The Law Office of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-985-1122 without any further delay.