Two teenage girls were tragically discovered dead on top of a train in what appears to be a case of ‘subway surfing.’ The incident took place at Marcy Avenue station in New York City early on Saturday morning. Law enforcement officials suspect that the girls, one of whom was 13 years old, were imitating a dangerous trend that has gained popularity on social media.
‘Subway surfing’ involves individuals hanging onto the roof or sides of a moving train. The trend has seen a surge in interest in recent months, spurred by viral videos showcasing young people participating in the risky behavior. Authorities in New York report that five individuals have lost their lives this year attempting this dangerous stunt, a figure equal to the total deaths related to the activity between 2018 and 2022.
Police were alerted to the situation around 3 am following reports of two individuals found unconscious at Marcy Avenue station in the Williamsburg area. Unfortunately, both girls were pronounced dead at the scene.
Expressing his sorrow, Demetrius Crichlow, the president of New York City Transit, remarked that it is distressing to see young lives lost due to engaging in such a perilous activity. He emphasized the need for parents, teachers, and friends to educate their loved ones about the severe risks associated with riding outside a subway car.
New York Mayor Eric Adams and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani expressed their condolences for the families of the deceased girls. Mayor Adams described the incident as heartbreaking, while Mamdani shared his sympathies for the tragic loss of the teenagers.
Recent police data revealed that three individuals died while subway surfing in August alone, including a 15-year-old boy at Queensboro Plaza station. Efforts by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City officials have been intensified to crack down on this dangerous practice. Since 2023, drones have been employed to identify and deter subway surfers. Additionally, the MTA has collaborated with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to remove videos promoting this risky behavior.