New York, NY – 36-year-old Garrett Goble, a train operator and six-year MTA veteran, died on Friday, March 27, after a fire broke out in the subway car of a No. 2 train. Goble was found unconscious on the subway tracks in Harlem, after evacuating passengers from the train in Harlem. First responders got to the 110th Street/Central Park North station at around 3:15 a.m. Four riders were also rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, five firefighters suffered minor injuries, and seven others were treated at the scene.
Goble, who leaves behind a five-month-old child, was hailed as a hero for his actions in evacuating the passengers. TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said, “This is a terrible tragedy for this young train operator, his family, and for the entire transit workforce. A young man serving the public during a national crisis was killed at just 36 years of age. For this to happen, after we lost two of our union brothers to the Coronavirus, is hard to comprehend. Our conductor acted heroically to move passengers to the platform out of danger, and deserves our deepest thanks and support for his bravery…this is a sad day for our entire city. We’re devastated.”
Eric Loegel, the Local 100 Vice President representing Train Operators and Conductors, said, “This is an unspeakable tragedy. I’m in stunned disbelief…my deepest condolences to his family and friends during this extremely sad time. The train conductor is a real hero. Safely evacuating people from the burning train – he did an incredible job and deserves our honor and praise.”
The fire is being investigated as a possible act of arson. A suspect was in custody and being questioned at the 28th Precinct.
