Tragedy struck New York City’s subway system over the weekend when two girls lost their lives while engaging in the dangerous activity known as “subway surfing.” Authorities reported that the incident occurred early Saturday morning.
Details of the Incident
Police responded to a 911 call at the Marcy Avenue subway stop in Brooklyn shortly after 3 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered two unconscious and unresponsive females. Unfortunately, both were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims’ identities and ages remain undisclosed as authorities continue their investigation.
Statement from Officials
Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit, expressed his sorrow over the loss of these young girls. He described the situation as heartbreaking and emphasized the life-threatening risks associated with subway surfing. In his statement, Crichlow urged parents and educators to communicate the dangers of this reckless behavior clearly.
- “Riding outside a subway train is not an adventure; it’s suicide,” said Crichlow.
- The incident has deeply affected the families of the victims and the transit workers who found them.
Trends in Subway Surfing
Subway surfing, a practice that has been around for over a century, has seen a resurgence due to social media influence. This popularity increase has led to a worrying trend in safety incidents, particularly among teenagers.
Recent Statistics
- Last year, six individuals died while subway surfing, an increase from five in 2022.
- The NYPD reported 229 arrests related to subway surfing in 2022, a significant rise from 135 the previous year.
- The average age of those arrested was approximately 14, with the youngest being only 9 years old.
Authorities’ Response
In light of this tragedy, city authorities have implemented various measures to address the dangers of subway surfing. These include:
- Public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about the risks.
- The use of drones to monitor and catch thrill-seekers in action.
- Requests to social media platforms to remove content that glamorizes subway surfing.
The transit authority continues to promote the message: “Ride inside, stay alive.” As the investigation unfolds, officials hope to prevent future incidents and reduce the prevalence of this perilous activity among youth.
