'Subway surfing' schoolboy, 15, killed in horror accident after falling onto train tracks

A 15-year-old boy has died after falling while subwaysurfing in New York - the latest in a string of harrowing incidents linked to the deadly trend sweeping the city’s transit system.

The teen had been riding on top of a southbound 7 train when he lost his footing and plummeted onto the tracks as the train pulled into Queensboro Plaza around 2:45am on Friday, according to policeand sources. Disturbing images from the scene captured first responders rushing the injured boy out of the station on a stretcher. He was taken to Bellevue Hospitalbut could not be saved, and was pronounced dead less than an hour later. The NYPDhas launched an investigation into the tragedy, which unfolded during the early hours of the Fourth of July.

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The incident comes just weeks after a similar case in the Bronx left another teenage boy critically injured. That teen had reportedly been subway surfing on top of a northbound 5 train when he plunged onto the tracks at Baychester Avenue station on June 16. Police said the boy, believed to be between 14 and 16 years old, suffered serious injuries to his head and wrist. He was rushed to Jacobi Hospital in critical condition.

According to investigators, the teen had made contact with the train as it approached the platform shortly after 4pm. The Bronx fall occurred just one week after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched its latest campaign aimed at curbing the increasingly dangerous activity.

The initiative, titled “Ride Inside, Stay Alive,” targets younger commuters with a direct message warning against the life-threatening consequences of subway surfing. The MTA has also begun testing new safety features, including tubular barriers installed between select subway cars to physically deter individuals from climbing up.

Transit President Demetrius Crichlow told CBS News that so far, the equipment seems to be holding up. Despite the campaign, the numbers remain alarming. According to the NYPD, at least one person has died from subway surfing this year alone.

In 2024, six people were killed, 15 injured, and 229 arrested in connection with the trend.