Corona, NY — A tragic incident in Queens resulted in the death of a 13-year-old girl and left a 12-year-old seriously injured after they fell from a moving subway train while engaging in the dangerous activity known as subway surfing. The accident occurred late Sunday night on the 7 train near the 111th Street station.
The two young adolescents were reportedly riding on top of the train car and attempting to jump between cars as the train moved westbound from the Flushing Main St. station. According to authorities, the train’s abrupt stop caused the girls to lose their balance, leading to their fall between the cars.
One of the victims tragically succumbed to her injuries after falling underneath the train, while the other sustained critical injuries, including head trauma and brain bleeding. She is currently receiving intensive medical care at Elmhurst Hospital.
This incident marks the sixth fatality attributed to subway surfing in New York City this year alone, highlighting a persistent and concerning trend among the city’s youth. Just last week, another 13-year-old died in a similar incident at the Forest Avenue subway station in Queens.
Despite previous fatalities, the risky behavior persists, often observed by other youths and continuing even in the absence of significant police deterrents. The New York Police Department has increased enforcement efforts, deploying surveillance drones along certain elevated subway lines where this activity is most prevalent.
NYPD Transit Bureau Chief Joseph Gulotta emphasized the department’s use of technology and social media campaigns to combat the trend. “We have a drone program on the J line and the 7 line, where we predominantly see it,” Gulotta explained. “We are hitting social media hard, posting videos with parents, and showing the devastating effects of these actions.”
MTA board members advocate for both enhanced enforcement and better outreach to young people. Board member David Jones stressed the importance of relatable voices in the community addressing the youth, “You feel invulnerable at this time in your life that nothing can happen, that every adventure will always end happily and we have to have people who they respect and listen to and are in their world and telling them, ‘No, this is not the way.'”
The recurring tragedies have also prompted reactions from city officials. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his devastation over the unnecessary loss of young life and the aimless pursuit of internet fame. “Heartbroken to hear that subway surfing—and the pursuit of social media clout—has stolen another life,” Mayor Adams said. He called for a community-wide effort, urging New Yorkers and social media companies to increase awareness about the peril of such activities. “No post is worth your future,” he added, offering his prayers for the families impacted.
As the city grapples with this ongoing issue, the community and authorities are urged to find more effective methods to discourage young individuals from engaging in such hazardous behaviors, striving to avert future tragedies.