August 11, 2004
Panic on the PATH train at 14th Street
It turned out to be a garbage fire, but dozens of commuters apparently figured it was a terrorist attack, and all hell broke loose.
This happened around 2 pm yesterday at the PATH/MTA station at 14th and Sixth. The conductor spotted a small fire on the tracks, and got out to extinguish it. However, the sight of the smoke and the lack of announcements and directions apparently caused the passengers to fear the worst, said Edward O'Connell, who was standing on the platform and took the picture above. Once the panic set in, the people on the train kicked out three windows in the car and climbed out.
The Port Authority says the crew did the right thing by not opening the doors, since not all of the train was in the station. I'm sure the passengers feel they did the right thing by busting open the windows.
This is another one of those minor subway incidents that dramatically shows how completely unprepared the city is for a terrorist attack. Lack of communication, in every situation, is going to lead to a panic like this. It seems very likely the conductor immediately recognized the smoke for what it was -- a garbage fire -- and should have either made the announcement himself or radio'd to someone else to do so. Had it been an actual attack, would the PA still say "It was correct to leave the doors closed because the train was not in the station"?
The problem, too, is lack of communication to the riders before stuff like this ever happens. Does anyone have any idea what they are supposed to do if a bomb goes off in the car in front of them? Stay calm and await instructions? Well, if this incident is any indication, it seems that you could be waiting for those instructions until you're dead.
The PA and the MTA need to come up with a solid plan -- or set of plans -- and clearly communicate them to the public. This fire and the previous ones have demonstrated that the transit systems are not prepared to deal with even minor, relatively common situations, let alone a bomb or chemical attack.
Finally, it's almost surprising that O'Donnell wasn't issued a summons for taking a photo in the transit sytem.
Source: NYP
categories:
Fire, Manhattan, Safety, Subway, Terrorism
posted by adm at August 11, 2004 3:15 AM
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