What's happened
Two girls, aged 12 and 13, were found dead after attempting subway surfing at Brooklyn's Marcy Avenue station. The incident marks the fifth death this year linked to the dangerous social media trend of riding on top of moving trains. Authorities emphasize that such acts are deadly and preventable.
What's behind the headline?
The tragic deaths of Zemfira Mukhtarov and Ebba Morina underscore the persistent danger of subway surfing, a reckless activity amplified by social media. Despite ongoing public safety campaigns, including drone enforcement and awareness ads, the trend continues to claim lives. The pattern suggests that peer influence and thrill-seeking behavior remain powerful motivators for teens. Authorities' emphasis that 'getting on top of a subway car isn’t surfing — it’s suicide' reflects a clear understanding that these acts are inherently deadly. The repeated fatalities indicate that current measures are insufficient to deter this behavior, and more targeted interventions—such as community engagement and stricter enforcement—are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that the recent deaths involve two girls found unconscious on a Brooklyn-bound J train, with police noting they were involved in subway surfing. The article highlights that six people died in 2024 and five in 2023 due to similar stunts, emphasizing the trend's escalation. AP News provides context by recounting the death of Ka’Von, a 12-year-old who fell from a moving train in 2022, illustrating the long-standing and ongoing risks of subway surfing. Both sources agree that social media fuels the activity, with authorities deploying drones and public campaigns to combat it. The Post focuses on the recent incident and community response, while AP emphasizes the broader historical pattern and the need for more effective prevention strategies.
How we got here
Subway surfing, a dangerous stunt involving riding on top of moving trains, has surged in popularity among teens, fueled by social media videos. Past fatalities include a 15-year-old who fell from a train in July and a 12-year-old critically injured in March. Authorities have responded with public campaigns and drone surveillance to curb the trend.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Subway Surfing Incidents Rising in NYC?
Recent tragic incidents in Brooklyn have brought renewed attention to the dangerous trend of subway surfing in New York City. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts, the activity continues to claim lives and injure teens. Curious about why this dangerous activity is increasing and what can be done to prevent it? Below, we explore the reasons behind the rise, the risks involved, and how authorities are working to keep everyone safe.
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What is subway surfing and why is it so dangerous?
Subway surfing is a risky social media trend where teens ride on top of moving trains. It’s become alarmingly popular, especially among young people seeking social media fame. But why do teens take such dangerous risks? And what can parents do to keep their kids safe from these deadly stunts? Here’s everything you need to know about subway surfing, its dangers, and how to protect your children.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
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The New York City Police Department, officially the City of New York Police Department, is the primary law enforcement agency within the City of New York.
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Brooklyn is a borough of New York City, coterminous with Kings County, located in the U.S. state of New York. It is the most populous county in the state, the second-most densely populated county in the United States, and New York City's most populous bor