Mind The Gap: Man Crushed Between Train And Platform

Flickr user Marcin Wichary

A 41-year-old man is in critical condition after falling between a 4 train and the movable platform extender at the Union Square station last night. One MTA worker said it took almost half an hour to release him, as they had to wait for a contractor to come and shut off the hydraulics that control the platform extender, which bridges the gap between the train and the curved platform. Motorman Janice Carter told the Post, "I secured my train and came out to investigate. It was complete madness. People everywhere. I saw the man between the gap filler and the train. He was yelling."

Despite the victim's being crushed, the FDNY said there was no blood at the scene. He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, and his exact injuries are unknown. Cops suspect he may have been drinking before he fell into the gap.

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By Jaya Saxena in News on December 11, 2010 12:14 PM

Comments [rss]

TheRealCannibal

Fuck those moving platforms. I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.

Spirit of 76

One MTA worker said it took almost half an hour to release him, as they had to wait for a contractor to come and shut off the hydraulics that control the platform extender,

That's just great. It's so reassuring to know that there are systems MTA workers can't shut off by themselves if a life was at stake. Or is this simply another fine example of union rules dictating which workers are allowed to do what?

INDsubway

Again, another clueless post by someone who knows nothing about how things work. The gap fillers (movable platforms) are not maintained by the MTA, contractors do all the work on them such as regular maintenance and repairs. The MTA worker who tried to move the machine to free the man did the best that he could, but was more then likely, unfamiliar with the device. Also, the gap fillers are automatically engaged when a train stops in the station and the only way they move back is when the train starts to move and pushed the moving platform back until it is clear of the train.

Spirit of 76

You are so full of it. What does it matter who does the maintenance? Motormen don't maintain subways, but they know how to stop them. Building supers don't maintain elevators, but they can kill power if somebody gets caught in one.

You sound just like a TWU drone should. Oh, boo hoo. We're not allowed to touch stuff we don't maintain. I only know what's in my job description and not a word more. You're stuck or injured? Not my problem. Call the contractor.

blink

Why aren't the gap fillers maintained by the MTA, and why isn't there a tech who knows how to work them in the station 24/7, in case of an emergency like this?

INDsubway

Because people who are anti-union took jobs away and now certain things need to be contracted out which costs more money. Also, most people are not dumb enough to stand at the edge of the platform....

Gaelic47

Paging Dr. Clarke - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Seriously, I hope this guy makes a full recovery. Those things are really dangerous and I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.