The New York Police Department is investigating a deadly NYC subway fire that left one dead and more than a dozen injured.
Authorities tell the CNN, the blaze broke out around 3:15 a.m. Friday as the northbound 2 train pulled into the station at West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue. The cause of the fire is still unknown; however, investigators believe it was intentionally set, as they discovered a charred shopping cart containing burned clothing inside the second car.
A spokesperson for the New York Fire Department confirmed 17 people, including five firefighters, were injured in the blaze—four of whom were in critical condition Friday morning after suffering from smoke inhalation. Garrett Goble, a 36-year-old subway train operator, was pronounced dead shortly after he was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital.
Per the New York Times:
In a mad dash, [Goble] and the conductor rushed to evacuate passengers as fire consumed the car. His colleague then managed to escape the smoke-filled station.
Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Authorities told the Times the incident might be connected to a couple of other non-deadly fires that broke out Friday morning: "one at the 86th Street station on the No. 1 line, and another at the 96th Street station on the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 lines."
The MTA announced it is offering a $50,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest.
"Absolutely heartbroken to share the news that one of our New York City Transit family members passed away as a result of an incident this morning," Sarah Feinberg, the interim New York City Transit president, told CBS Local. "We are devastated by this. This is a hard moment for New York City Transit. A devastating incident. Our hearts and prayers are with our families, with our workforce, and with the family of and loved ones of our family member who has passed away… This is another horrific moment for our family."
