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[Emily Chu]

Come on guys, even in that earlier photo the victim didn't have much time to get out of there, and he was drunk. Those trains are damn fast. The photographer really isn't to blame here, although it was pretty scummy of him to get these photos published.

Safety measures for these kind of incidents should really be implemented. It's mindblowing that this isn't a standard yet.

Oh wow that looks safe as fuck

And would probably put my mind at ease while riding the MTA

Usually I just pocket all my devices and have my back against the wall and mind my own business.... while waiting

 

[entremet]

damn, remind me to stay away from crazy people when waiting for the train

Yep. You learn that quick. Too many crazy people on the trains. Idk why cops don't really don't anything about these wackos.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

I wouldn't pull out my damn camera, that's for sure. Sure he's a photographer, but seriously? I commend those photographers getting those shots that really count, but this is inexcusable. I have no doubt that some of those people were probably waving to the sub that was coming, but something more could have happened.

The driver said the flashes did warn him but he didn't have enough time to stop.

So that thing that you definitely wouldn't do, actually was helping the situation and it was unfortunate the driver didn't have enough time. The photographer had a good idea.

We have quotes from the driver to back that up. Meanwhile, you still say his actions were stupid. Okay...

 

[NervousXtian]

I don't think the photographer could have saved the guy, but his story is bullshit.. he was taking photos of what was going down not trying to warn the driver.

 

[Ingueferroque]

Come on guys, even in that earlier photo the victim didn't have much time to get out of there, and he was drunk. Those trains are damn fast. The photographer really isn't to blame here, although it was pretty scummy of him to get these photos published.

Safety measures for these kind of incidents should really be implemented. It's mindblowing that this isn't a standard yet.

They keep raising MTA ticket prices every year, but nothing is being done about the stations.

 

[Tenck]

The train is close enough where the time to impact was probably around half a second.

So who knows?

He was sitting on the ground in the photo showing how far the train was when the photographer was trying to first warn the driver. I doubt a half a second was enough for him to get off the floor, then walk to the edge.

 

[commish]

Yep. You learn that quick. Too many crazy people on the trains. Idk why cops don't really don't anything about these wackos.

A few months ago this guy was swinging this huge chain around, telling people to "come get some". Still shocked that the guy was able to cause havoc on the platform for 10 minutes and then get on a train (my train, thx buddy) and cause a scene. I thought there was security or something.

 

[Charles Foster Kane]

Hmm dunno for sure but its probably the most apathetic place in the entire city

If there was a rape or murder I'm sure most people would just run or get to one end of the platform

All I know is there shouldn't be a picture about the event. I don't mean they could have saved him if it was going to happen anyways, but at least try. Taking a picture just seems ... I don't know. Maybe the photographer isn't to blame, but the newspaper is.

Also it's unethical a newspaper would put them in the cover and with those words. It's almost like they're smiling about it.

 

[phosphor112]

Were the no one else there to help warn the driver or help the person out.

This women in this video fell on the tracks drunk while a train was coming and the people were able to flag the driver down to stop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV4uQDEW0jI

Holy fucking shit.

The driver said the flashes did warn him but he didn't have enough time to stop.

So that thing that you definitely wouldn't do, actually was helping the situation and it was unfortunate the driver didn't have enough time. The photographer had a good idea.

We have quotes from the driver to back that up. Meanwhile, you still say his actions were stupid. Okay...

Lol, hindsight IS 20/20, but flashing him won't do shit for a man driving a train down a dark tunnel. And even if he did, why get pictures of the guy about to die and not just flash it down the fucking tunnel?

 

[Emily Chu]

Yep. You learn that quick. Too many crazy people on the trains. Idk why cops don't really don't anything about these wackos.

Dunno but should they ban crazy looking people /homeless from riding the MTA?

Then that be discrimation though.....

It would make everyone else feel.safer though

I mean my back is against the wall and I make sure to have a 180 degree situational awareness when down there.

 

[SolarPowered]

So fucking tragic

We always see these mentally disturbed panhandlers on the NYC trains screaming at people all day. The calm ones begging are one thing, but the crazy fucks threatening people on trains need to be cracked down on. What a fucking shame. I can't believe the bastard got a way. I swear to God I would have chased him for a fucking mile.

Ugh

 

[Antiwhippy]

He was sitting on the ground in the photo showing how far the train was when the photographer was trying to first warn the driver. I doubt a half a second was enough for hit to get off the floor, then walk to the edge.

I meant for the front page photo, where the impact is probably half a second a second away, even though he reached the platform. Depending on the speed of the train it could be a few seconds for the guy to quickly bolt up and run for it (adrenaline can make people do crazy stuff) and try to get to the platform, but not enough time for people to reach him and attempt to pull him out.

Again though, without a time and speed reference it's all just speculation.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Lol, hindsight IS 20/20, but flashing him won't do shit for a man driving a train down a dark tunnel.

...

Abbasi said the driver saw his camera flashing but told him he couldn’t stop the train fast enough.

Abbasi said the driver saw his camera flashing but told him he couldn’t stop the train fast enough.

Abbasi said the driver saw his camera flashing but told him he couldn’t stop the train fast enough.

Abbasi said the driver saw his camera flashing but told him he couldn’t stop the train fast enough.

Directly from the article. The driver DID see it and tried to stop. It DID help try to save the man. I don't know why you want to blame this guy so much.

Give me that photographer with his flash if I'm on the train tracks instead of you. He clearly has more brains.

 

[commish]

Dunno but should they ban crazy looking people /homeless from riding the MTA?

Then that be discrimation though.....

It would make everyone else feel.safer though

I mean my back is against the wall and I make sure to have a 180 degree situational awareness when down there.

Not sure if serious...

 

[SquiddyCracker]

I agree with the Temporal Canine.
Those are some awfully nice shots for being taken whilst running towards the man.

 

[phosphor112]

...

Directly from the article. The driver DID see it and tried to stop. It DID help try to save the man. I don't know why you want to blame this guy so much.

Give me that photographer with his flash if I'm on the train tracks instead of you. He clearly has more brains.

I read the article. I don't buy it one second (that it was the intention of the photographer). I'm going to continue to judge, the fucking full from shot that included the victim is 100% unnecessary.

 

[masud]

Yeah in the second picture that train is maybe 10 seconds away. And the guy was sitting in the middle of the track, no way to reach him without jumping down there. Nothing could have been done.

 

[EVOL 100%]

Directly from the article. The driver DID see it and tried to stop. It DID help try to save the man.

Yeah, it makes sense.

It'd get the attention of the driver more than a small barely visible person.

Yeah in the second picture that train is maybe 10 seconds away. And the guy was sitting in the middle of the track, no way to reach him without jumping down there. Nothing could have been done.

This too.

Those things aren't cars, they move really fucking fast.

 

[Ingueferroque]

Dunno but should they ban crazy looking people /homeless from riding the MTA?

Then that be discrimation though.....

It would make everyone else feel.safer though

I mean my back is against the wall and I make sure to have a 180 degree situational awareness when down there.

SHO TIME!!

 

[Antiwhippy]

I agree with the Temporal Canine.
Those are some awfully nice shots for being taken whilst running towards the man.

He could have set it to auto-iso/shutterspeed? Especially if he's using the flash anyway so the shutterspeed could remain pretty fast in dim light.

 

[everyday math]

Wtf at that headline.

 

[Dmncnby2k9]

I remember reading this bout MTA asking their operators to slow down coming into stations.

SLOWDOWN! TWU flyer urges ‘extra care’ at stations
PETE DONOHUE
Monday, January 30, 2012
WITH CONTRACT talks at a standstill, the transit workers union is expected to start suggesting that subway motormen slow down their trains.

Transport Workers Union Local 100 has drafted a flyer telling train operators to use “extra care” when entering stations to avoid hitting anyone who might wind up on the tracks.

The stated goal is to prevent some of the all-too common deaths that happen when people fall or jump from platforms.

The flyer cites a particularly deadly weekend this month when three people were killed in separate incidents by trains roaring into stations. A fourth was killed walking along tracks in between stations.

The safety tips come as Local 100 leaders have become increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as the MTA’s unfair and inflexible demands.

Under the state’s Taylor Law, it is illegal for public transit workers in New York to even plan a strike or a work slowdown. Those tactics can lead to fines against workers and the union.

It’s not illegal to urge workers to be extra careful in the name of public safety, but the timing of the flyer — which will be distributed Monday — will raise eyebrows.

While four fatalities in one weekend garnered headlines and public attention, underground tragedies are not uncommon. Trains injure or kill dozens each year, but the union doesn’t normally send out safety notices.

One veteran labor lawyer called the flyer “fascinating” because it could mean the union is giving motormen cover for venting frustration over the contract by providing an excuse for slowing trains.

The contract between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Local 100 expired Jan. 15. The two sides have continued to negotiate for a new deal, but are in a stalemate over raises connected to cost-cutting measures.

The MTA contends wage increases are possible, but only if paid for by savings from work-rule changes or other measures.

The union seems open to cost-cutting concessions to help the MTA close any budget gaps. Local 100 President John Samuelsen, however, has said workers reject the premise that the MTA — which has a $12.6 billion operating budget — can’t kick in some money to help its employees keep pace with inflation.

The flyer makes no mention of MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota or contract negotiations. It appears to have been very carefully crafted, with no specific direction on slowing down when entering a station.

“We might prevent some incidents, especially those where a passenger jumps, falls or is pushed in front of an oncoming train,” it states.

Then, in bold print, it continues: “Train operators can increase their reaction time by entering stations with extra care.”

If anyone missed the point, it’s repeated almost immediately in the text:

“So, in the interest of safety, train operators should enter stations, especially crowded stations, with enhanced care. Even if we prevent one tragedy, it would be worth it.”

Samuelsen insisted the flyer is "strictly in response" to a recent uptick in trains hitting riders and said the MTA — not the union — should have issued it.

“It’s not designed to interfere with train service, but to protect the riding public , and that should be clear to everyone,” he said.

pdonohue@nydailynews.com

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

I read the article. I don't buy it one second (that it was the intention of the photographer). I'm going to continue to judge, the fucking full from shot that included the victim is 100% unnecessary.

Well, clearly you're just going to ignore all logic and sense, so I give up.

Keep believing that man you know nothing about in a situation you weren't in was only thinking of getting some gory photos, rather than happening to take one or two good photos as he flashes the camera in the direction the train was coming in (which, shock horror, the man was also in because it was in that direction).

 

[acksman]

You would think there would be safety barriers in more of the high risk areas. They don't have to be the full height walls, but half like below.

 

[TxdoHawk]

Terrible story, and this is why I stay away from the edge + crazy people at stations. Note that this guy went up to the dude and tried to reason with him, that's a big no-no with these people. Stay far, far away.

 

[JustHadToJoin]

Was he so drunk that he couldn't just jump up? In the second picture it looks like he's sitting down in children's story time.

 

[phosphor112]

I remember reading this bout MTA asking their operators to slow down coming into stations.

I don't see why this isn't enforced (or maybe it is) the cost of killing one person is substantial.

Insurance rates for the company, stopping the train for hours, getting emergency responses down there, clearing out the whole place, etc.

Why can't they electronically limit station stops?

 

[Emily Chu]

alleged video of the alleged pusher:

http://vimeo.com/54853116#

Needs to be quoted...

Dude should have left the other dude alone.....

You just don't mess round with the homeless and or crazy

Thy don't have anything to lose

 

[ComputerMKII]

'To think all you need is for people to stop buying so that it doesn't sell!' (Coluche)

 

[Mordeccai]

Such a sad story. Feel horrible for his widow, her last memory she'll have of him was a drunken fight. Nobody deserves this...

Poor guy. Ready in peace man. Looks to me like this was one of those incidents where fate just screws you. Guess the bystander effect could be in play, and publishing those photos is something only a chose could do, but be honest guys. Would you jump down there in that trench with the train coming to hoist the guy back up?

Fuck that newspaper too. Horrible, trashy headline. Might actually write in to the NYP but not sure if it will accomplish anything.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

Keep believing that man you know nothing about in a situation you weren't in was only thinking of getting some gory photos, rather than happening to take one or two good photos as he flashes the camera in the direction the train was coming in (which, shock horror, the man was also in because it was in that direction).

To be fair, the driver is/was in shock so he could have just said the flashes warned him even if he had no idea what they meant at the time.

 

[Flame Lord]

I can't help but laugh at that front page. You know what's happening by the pic, why did they need to but "DOOMED" in big ass bold letters?

 

[Moppet13]

Needs to be quoted...

Dude should have left the other dude alone.....

You just don't mess round with the homeless and or crazy

Thy don't have anything to lose

He might not have been homeless or crazy. From that video all I can get is he is probably stupid and angry.

 

[SolarPowered]

Let's stop blaming horrified onlookers who did their best to warn the drivers when the real blame should be laid at the feet of people who haven't added barriers and more cops to NYC train stations.

Shit, the fare goes up every year now and all we've got in most stations is a handy ceiling clock and cops are still busy frisking minorities(more of them are stationed downstairs these days though) up top while these crazy people harass folks just trying to make it home below.

 

[Ingueferroque]

You would think there would be safety barriers in more of the high risk areas. They don't have to be the full height walls, but half like below.

High risk areas? Like all of NYC?

 

[RS4-]

Aside from barriers, I guess the only other way is to lower the entry speed when it approaches stations.

Then again, to the city, transit users, etc that might mean a loss of dollars, longer travel times, et al.

 

[commish]

Let's stop blaming horrified onlookers who did their best to warn the drivers when the real blame should be laid at the feet of people who haven't added barriers and more cops to NYC train stations.

Shit, the fare goes up every year now and all we've got in most stations is a handy ceiling clock and cops are still busy frisking minorities(more of them are stationed downstairs these days though) up top while these crazy people harass folks just trying to make it home below.

I'm all for more cops, but I don't think barriers are needed. The number of incidents really don't justify the cost when the money could be better spent elsewhere...

 

[BronsonLee]

Dude shouldn't have sold the photos, but if he was using burst mode on his camera and turned it to flash always on, this is likely what you'd get when you run towards the train. You can take a lot of photos in that time. Also, if he was shooting in RAW (which is likely), the light exposure and such can be modified after the fact.

Also FUCK the New York Post.

 

[Timedog]

He could have set it to auto-iso/shutterspeed? Especially if he's using the flash anyway so the shutterspeed could remain pretty fast in dim light.

I don't use Auto, but Auto isn't going to adjust for the fact that he's RUNNING. The programmers don't make the algorithm with that assumption that the cameraman is running, if anything they'd try to keep the iso at a minimum by elongating shutter speed by as much as possible for the lighting situation.

Anyways, the first picture where the train is very far away is even more disgusting. I can understand not wanting to go onto the tracks (with one of the rails being electrified and all, as well as not wanting to get hit by the train yourself), but at least go over there and try to help him onto the platform. Taking pictures and then making money off of it when there is a possibility that the guy could have been helped is fucking gross.

 

[phosphor112]

Aside from barriers, I guess the only other way is to lower the entry speed when it approaches stations.

Then again, to the city, transit users, etc that might mean a loss of dollars, longer travel times, et al.

Doesn't outweigh the costs of 12+ deaths a year.

 

[Ramma2]

Is there no room to stand up against the other wall and wait for the train to pass? I can't tell from the photo and have never been in a subway so I'm not sure.

 

[Ingueferroque]

I'm all for more cops, but I don't think barriers are needed. The number of incidents really don't justify the cost when the money could be better spent elsewhere...

Spent where? Making people feel safer isn't worth the cost? Every day you see at least one nut job walking on the edge of the platform.

 

[criesofthepast]

I'm always surprised in cases like this that instead of running away from the train people try and hop back up. I known its a panic situation and who knows how your going to respond, but if I found myself in that position I'd be running and not climbing. Reason being in many of these cases the train conductor has been alerted by people screaming to stop and usually end up dragging them a few meters. In this case the guy was dragged 10-15 feet. Now if he wasn't drunk he could have had enough time to run forward a good distance so that the train slowed down and stopped before hitting him.

Wonder why we don't see people try and run.

Attempting to climb is a huge risk and its a good 6-8 feet at least, no? I'm not confident I could make that in 5 seconds. I'd take my chance running as far as I could and hope the conductor slows down enough

 

[Meus Renaissance]

Were the no one else there to help warn the driver or help the person out.

This women in this video fell on the tracks drunk while a train was coming and the people were able to flag the driver down to stop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV4uQDEW0jI

I'm honestly surprised this doesn't happen more often

 

[soepje]

From OP..

As other riders congregated toward one end of the platform, Han and the man were about 100 feet away from them.

As the train’s arrival was announced over the loudspeaker, the attacker “just grabbed [Han] and launched him — just threw him — straight onto the tracks,” a witness said.

Han’s devastated wife said she and her husband had quarreled before he left the house at around 11 a.m. and headed for Manhattan.

She told cops he’d been drinking, and one witness claimed he was the aggressor on the platform, law-enforcement sources said, adding that authorities found a bottle of vodka on Han afterward.

That´s quite a distance to cover in such a short time span. And he only got to the side when the train was really close, i doubt people would have had the time to jump down on the rail, get the (drunk/agressive(?))man and themselves out before the train would hit.

Still, publishing those pictures is quite insane.

 

[Emily Chu]

High risk areas? Like all of NYC?

Its actually not that bad in most part of NYC
But some parts are basically a no fly zone still

But I'd think this could all be avoid if the guy simply minded his own buiness like everyone else on the MTA just trying to get home or else where

The drunk part is besides the point
If he simply kept to himself..... sat his ass down to a platform chair and quietly waited for the train to come .
I remebmber a many nights with NYC GAF drunk off my fuck

And I just sat down and kept to my self on the way back to Brooklyn.

 

[Business]

I don't think many of us would put our lifes in the line for a drunk stranger on the tracks. The train is coming in a few seconds and he could drag you down with him, accidentally or in purpose, what do you know.

 

[Vyse The Legend]

Is there no room to stand up against the other wall and wait for the train to pass? I can't tell from the photo and have never been in a subway so I'm not sure.

The clearance on the side of the wall is maybe 1 inch.

The other side, however, was fair game. The man was probably too drunk or panicked to realize it. Terrible.

 

[commish]

Spent where? Making people feel safer isn't worth the cost? Every day you see at least one nut job walking on the edge of the platform.

Spent where? Seriously? Honestly, I've never felt fearful of falling onto the subway tracks in all the years I've lived here. A little common sense is more than enough for 99.999999999% of us. Adding one cop to each station would do far more to make the subway stations safer than some barriers which would cost so much money and cause so much disruption to the subways during their construction. Yesterday, before this event, no one was calling for barriers on the subways.

 

[Harpuia]

Holy shit that cover is something else man. I feel so sorry for the man's family. This does make me wonder if I could be able to pull myself out of the tracks should something like this ever happen to me. I use the subway daily and sometimes I wonder how hard it is to get yourself out of harm's way.