A homeless man suffered burns to both legs and his upper body after setting himself on fire inside Penn Station. Police and MTA sources believe there is no evidence of a second person being involved in the incident. The man, 67, was found on fire in a secluded tunnel close to New Jersey Transit Tracks 11 and 12 by first responders. He was initially in stable condition but was later upgraded to critical at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The victim claims that he woke up to find himself on fire and suggested that someone else set the blaze. However, it is still unknown how the fire started, and sources indicate that no criminal activity was involved. Despite this, the incident has left commuters feeling uneasy, especially after a woman was burned to death while sleeping on an F train in Brooklyn just a few days earlier. This and other recent incidents of violence have left commuters like Mike Jones and Ashley Cole feeling concerned about the safety of subway stations.
There have been several recent incidents of violence in New York City’s subway system, including an increase in crime underground. Commuters, such as Jones and Cole, express their worries about these events and their impact on safety. Despite these concerns, Cole mentions that he tries to stay aware of his surroundings while underground and is saddened by the violence occurring in the subway system. Many homeless individuals in Penn Station use matches and lighters, as they often smoke substances like crack or synthetic marijuana.
In the F train incident, murder and arson charges have been filed against Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant who had been deported in 2018. The situation raises questions about the safety and security of the subway system in New York City. The recent incidents of violence involving fire and other crimes are concerning to both commuters and homeless individuals who interact with the subway environment. It remains to be seen how authorities will address these issues and ensure the safety of all individuals using the New York City subway system.
