A man and woman were killed after being struck by a subway train in downtown Manhattan, New York, USA, over the weekend. The pair, both aged 24, were seen sitting on the tracks at the Spring Street station just seconds before a southbound Number 4 Train entered at speed.
Emergency brakes applied too late
Footage appears to show the couple staring directly at the approaching train. The train driver attempted to apply the emergency brakes, but it was too late and the train struck both individuals. The driver was unable to leave and is understood to have been given time off.
Officers said they received a call at around 3.14am reporting that two individuals had been struck by the train. Emergency services arrived at the scene, and both were declared dead.
Investigation underway
A harrowing video showing one of the bodies covered on the platform at the station was posted and shared online. NYPD investigators are said to be looking into whether the couple may have been drinking beforehand. The names of the pair have not been made public, with police said to be waiting until they have spoken to the families of those involved. The investigation is also understood to be looking into whether the incident was intentional.
The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the deaths. "There is no higher priority than safety, and we are confident that the investigations will proceed and comprehensively determine what happened," NTA spokesperson Tim Minton told the outlet.
Separate derailment in Poland
This comes after one person died and several others were injured following a major train derailment after colliding with a truck at a level crossing in Poland, the Daily Star previously reported. The incident occurred in the area Sokolniki Suche at a level crossing, and only part of the train reportedly derailed on September 9, according to fire officials.
It is believed that over 100 people had been on board the train at the time, which had been heading on the Lublin-Szczecin route. According to local reports, at least 20 people were injured, with four of them sustaining serious injuries. There has been no further information on their condition at this time.
Speaking to TVN24, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Piotr Malepszak said: "We initially know that the truck driver indicated that he was blinded by the sun."
