A routine Saturday subway ride in Midtown turned terrifying when a 70-year-old woman was shoved onto the tracks at the 57th Street–Seventh Avenue station, authorities said. Fellow riders scrambled to pull her back onto the platform before a train arrived. She suffered a head wound and was taken to a hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. Police say the attacker took off and has not been caught.
What police say
According to the New York Post, the assault happened on the northbound platform of the 57th Street–Seventh Avenue station. Commuters rushed in to pull the woman from the tracks and get her to safety. She was taken to Cornell Hospital with a head injury, while the suspect fled the station, police told the outlet.
Investigation and tips
The NYPD is investigating and is asking anyone who saw the shove or recorded video of it to come forward. Per the department's Crime Stoppers, tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-577-TIPS or through the online portal.
Where it fits in a worrying pattern
This latest incident lands in the middle of a troubling run of platform shoves that has put subway safety back under the microscope. In March, an 83-year-old man died after being pushed at the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station. NBC New York reported that authorities later arrested a suspect and upgraded the charges following the victim’s death.
MTA safety steps
The MTA has been trying to tackle track intrusions with both enforcement and hardware. One of the headline ideas is a platform screen-door pilot recommended by its Track Trespassing Task Force. Project materials outline a pilot and a design-build contract at three stations to test whether platform doors can cut down on people getting onto the tracks, according to the MTA.
Anyone who was at the 57th Street–Seventh Avenue station and has information or footage is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers. This story will be updated as police and transit officials release more details.
