Two teens fall from New York City subway train on Williamsburg Bridge

A 14-year-old boy died and an 18-year-old was in critical condition after falling from the top of a New York City subway train as it crossed the Williamsburg Bridge on Friday. Police said the pair had been riding on top of a J train when the 14-year-old fell from the bridge into a lot near Delancey Street and Lewis Street.

The 18-year-old fell onto the tracks at the same location. Both were taken to Bellevue Hospital. The 14-year-old was pronounced dead there, and the 18-year-old remained in critical condition as of Saturday.

Rise in reported incidents Officials have tracked an increase in people riding outside trains. Reports rose from 490 in 2019 to 928 in 2022. Last year five people died in incidents involving riding outside trains, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

The mayor called the incident a preventable tragedy and said no family should receive such a call. NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the practice ends tragically and urged families and teachers to intervene. Officials have used public service announcements and media campaigns to discourage the activity and have asked social media companies to remove related videos more quickly.