Man Doused in Flames on NYC Subway: Latest Incident Highlights Unpredictability of City
The chaos and unpredictability of New York City’s subway system was on full display recently when a man was doused in flames on the No. 1 train. Petrit Alijaj, 23, was riding the train with his family when a man approached him and threw flaming liquid at him, leaving him with severe burns on his chest and face.
In a harrowing account to ABC 7 News, Alijaj described the terrifying moment when the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Nile Taylor, attacked him. “He had a cup with the fire and the train stopped at Houston Street. We thought when he go for the door, we thought heβs leaving, heβs getting off. He waited for the door to open and then he put me [on] fire,” Alijaj said.
Despite his own injuries, Alijaj bravely shielded his family from the flames, showing incredible courage in the face of danger. The suspect, Taylor, was arrested and charged with assault, arson, and reckless endangerment. This shocking incident is just the latest in a string of violent crimes in Manhattan, including random slashings, scalding attacks, and fatal shootings.
As New Yorkers grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the city’s bustling streets and subway stations. Despite efforts to improve safety and reduce crime rates, the specter of violence continues to haunt residents and visitors alike, casting a shadow over the vibrant metropolis.