New York Personal Injury Attorneys BlogNYC Subway Fire Sends 18 to the Hospital—Who Is Responsible?
As experienced New York City personal injury attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of subway and train accidents on victims and their families. When accidents occur underground, in confined spaces, the risk of serious injuries from smoke inhalation, fire, or collisions is significant. Just this week, 18 people suffered injuries after a track fire at the 191st Street No. 1 subway station, raising concerns about subway safety and liability.
What Happened at 191st Street?
On Tuesday afternoon, thick gray smoke filled the station after an object on the tracks made contact with the third rail, leading to a hazardous smoke condition. Nine passengers suffered from smoke inhalation and were assessed by emergency responders, while 16 others required hospitalization. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but the incident underscores the dangers riders face daily on the MTA system.
Transit authorities claim that no individual was responsible for placing the object on the tracks, but their investigation is ongoing. The question remains: Could this accident have been prevented? Was there negligence on the part of the MTA or another entity responsible for track maintenance and safety?
Who Can Be Held Liable for Subway and Train Accidents?
Train and subway accidents are complex, and our firm has extensive experience investigating these cases. We recently secured a $20 million award for a tourist who fell on the tracks and suffered severe injury after being hit by two train , demonstrating our ability to hold transit authorities accountable.
Liability in subway accidents may involve:
- MTA Negligence – Failure to properly inspect and clear tracks of debris or dangerous objects.
- Equipment Failures – Defective third-rail components or inadequate safety measures.
- Delayed Emergency Response – Inadequate evacuation protocols that put passengers at greater risk.
In cases of fire-related incidents, victims may also face long-term respiratory issues, severe burns, or post-traumatic stress, all of which require legal intervention to ensure proper compensation.
We Know How to Handle Fire and Smoke Inhalation Cases
Beyond subway incidents, our firm has successfully represented victims of fire accident cases caused by negligence, equipment malfunctions, or safety violations. In a smoke-filled, enclosed subway station, passengers can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to asphyxiation, carbon monoxide poisoning, and long-term lung damage. The impact of smoke inhalation can be just as serious as burn injuries, making it crucial for victims to seek immediate medical care and legal counsel.
Contact Experienced NYC Subway and Train Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one was injured in the Washington Heights subway fire or any other train-related accident, you need an experienced legal team to investigate the cause and fight for maximum compensation. Our firm has more than a century of experience representing victims of subway, train, and fire-related accidents in New York City.
Learn more about how our subway accident lawyers can help or call us today for a free consultation at 212-943-1090.
Picture: Our partner, NYC Personal Injury Attorney Christopher Donadio investigating a subway accident on a previous case
