A fire broke out on a New York Subway train on Friday morning, resulting in the death of one person and injuring at least 16 more.
Garrett Gobel, a 36-year-old train operator from Brooklyn, managed to help evacuate the passengers from the trains amidst the fire and off the platform.
The news outlet reported that at least 16 people were injured, but could not determine if there were any more fatalities. Out of the injured, five people had serious injuries and were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment, while four more were firefighters, and they were transported to nearby hospitals to treat their minor injuries. Officials said that at least seven others were treated at the scene.
An investigation will determine if the train could have been set on fire by an arsonist as it arrived at the 110th Street station. Daily News reported that a burned shopping cart was found inside the train, but it wasn't clear whether it was the origin of the fire or whether it was just burned in the process.
Sarah Feinberg, the Interim President of NYC Transit, said that Gobel, along with another MTA employee, helped get passengers out of the station.
"They certainly put their lives at risk to get these people out," Feinberg said.
"We're devastated by this. This is a hard time for NYC Transit. We show up every day to move people safely and efficiently. They do unbelievable work and they are heroes," Feinberg said.
Meanwhile, several smaller fires were set on two other train platforms—86th Street and the 96th Street stations—and authorities are investigating whether the cases are connected.
"We have investigators holding them as crime scenes. We're not saying they are connected, but this is something they have to investigate," said Brian McGee, NYPD Deputy Chief.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered his condolences, writing: "Our thoughts are with the family of the NYC Transit worker who tragically died in a fire early [Friday] morning, and with all those who are injured. The NYPD is investigating the incident. I thank the firefighters and all first responders who bravely keep us safe every day."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also sent his condolences, writing: "We mourn the transit worker we lost in today’s train fire at the Central Park North station and we thank the [New York Fire Department] for their valiant work. A full investigation into this is underway by the NYPD and FDNY."
Furthermore, he wrote: "Our mass transit workers are helping hold this city together in this perilous moment. We stand with them today. Our prayers are with the family of the worker we lost and for a speedy recovery for everyone injured in the fire."