NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – A subway conductor was killed and several other people were injured in a subway fire that authorities say was intentionally set in Harlem Friday morning.
Police said someone set fire to the second car of a 2 train at 110th Street and Central Park North around 3 a.m.
As WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported, an MTA employee on train alerted the motorman who stopped the train in the station and evacuated passengers.
The conductor was later found dead on the tracks.
Acting Interim New York City Transit President Sarah Feinberg said it is heartbreaking to lose a member of the MTA in what's been an already difficult week for the transit agency. A subway conductor and bus operator both died this week of COVID-19.
"This is another horrific moment for our family," Feinberg said.
“Our colleague was a young man who had served the people of New York City at Transit for many years," MTA Chairman Pat Foye said in a statement. "The entire MTA family mourns his death alongside a grateful city. Our hearts break for his family, loved ones and all those who knew him.
“A young man serving the public during a national crisis was killed at just 36 years of age," TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said. “Our Conductor acted heroically to move passengers to the platform out of danger, and deserves our deepest thanks and support for his bravery. This incident once again points out many life-threatening dangers that await transit workers across the city when they go to their jobs every day, 24 hours a day. This is a sad day for our entire City. We’re devastated.”
Deputy Chief of Detectives Manhattan North Brian McGee said this fire was one of four set this morning on the same line at the 86th, 96th, 110th and 116th street stations.
"There were previous fires on 86th street and 96th street. Very preliminary, we have investigators there holding them as crime scenes and the 116th street is topside, so it's up on the street, that we are investigating also. Not saying they are connected, but it's something we have to investigate that more than likely may be," McGee said.
No arrests have been made and authorities are asking any witnesses to come forward.
Several riders suffered smoke inhalation as they were aided off the train by transit workers that Feinberg calls heroes.
Video from the scene shows smoke billowing out of the underground station into the street.
Photos posted to social media showed the charred remains of the subway train.
The MTA said 3 train service was suspended between Harlem-148th Street and 96th Street, while 2 trains were suspended in both directions between Harlem–148th Street and 96th Street. 1 trains were suspended in both directions between 137th Street–City College and Times Square–42nd Street.
In addition to $2,500 offered by Crime Stoppers and the Police Foundation, the MTA is offering up to $50,000 for information that leads to an arrest, indictment and conviction in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 800-577-TIPS (800-577-8477).