Thrill-seeking youths are engaging in a perilous activity known as “subway surfing,” which involves riding on top of moving trains, inspired by a popular mobile game.
On October 23, a tragic incident occurred when 13-year-old Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano lost his life while attempting this subway surfing challenge in Queens, New York.
Just four days later, another heart-wrenching event took place in the same area, where 13-year-old Krystel Romero died while her friend was critically injured after participating in the dangerous trend.
The trend’s alarming rise led one parent to file a lawsuit against a social media platform following the death of her son in a similar subway surfing incident this year.
Understanding the Perilous ‘Subway Surfing’ Trend
Commonly referred to as train surfing, subway surfing involves the act of riding on top or alongside a moving train, posing extreme risks such as falls, electric shocks, or severe injuries.
This trend closely mirrors the gameplay of Subway Surfers, where players navigate characters atop swiftly moving trains to collect in-game rewards.
According to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, 2023 saw four fatalities linked to suspected subway surfing incidents in New York City, compared to just five total between the years 2018 and 2022. Consequently, over 10,000 videos and images showcasing subway surfing have been removed from various social media platforms.
The MTA reported a dramatic increase in incidents, with reports of subway surfing activities among children rising from 206 in 2021 to 928 in 2023.
@nbcnewyork Krystel Romero, a victim of subway surfing from Brooklyn, was only 13 years old. A 14-year-old girl involved in the incident remains hospitalized in critical condition. Local residents shared their thoughts with NBC New York’s Jessica Cunnington about this tragic event. #nbc4ny
In response to the growing concern, NYPD Transit Bureau Chief Joseph Gulotta announced the implementation of drone surveillance to address the issue effectively.
“We have introduced a drone program along the J and 7 lines, where these activities are predominantly reported,” Gulotta explained. “We are actively utilizing social media to spread awareness through videos aimed at parents, highlighting the severe consequences of these actions.”
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragic loss of Krystel Romero, emphasizing the city’s commitment to combat the subway surfing challenge.
“It breaks my heart to witness another life claimed by subway surfing and the quest for social media attention,” said Adams. “We are dedicated to raising awareness about this hazardous trend, but we also need the cooperation of all New Yorkers and social media platforms to address this issue collectively. Your future is not worth a single post.”
This unfortunate incident is the latest in a series of TikTok trends that experts have labeled as dangerously reckless.
Image Credit: Dexerto.com
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