'Hero' Train Conductor Dies In Fire On Harlem Subway

NEW YORK, NY – A 36-year-old subway conductor was killed and several others injured after a fire broke out on a subway train in Harlem early Friday morning.

The fire started on a northbound No. 2 train at the 110 Street Station Central Park North on West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue around 3:15 a.m. Friday morning.

"This is a terrible tragedy for this young train operator, his family and for the entire transit workforce," said Transport Workers Union President Tony Union in a statement, identifying the conductor as Garrett Goble. "Our conductor acted heroically to move passengers to the platform out of danger, and deserves our deepest thanks and support for his bravery."

According to officials, Goble was found in the road bed and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital. Four other people were transported to hospitals with critical injuries, an NYPD spokesperson said.

In addition, seven civilians and five firefighters suffered minor injuries, according to an FDNY spokesperson.

Twenty-five fire units with 106 firefighters were called to the scene.

Just before noon on Friday, FDNY posted a photo to Instagram of the damage to the train.

"When units arrived on scene, they found heavy fire inside the subway station coming from the cars. There was a heavy smoke condition, limited ventilation and lots of heat. The fire went to a 2nd alarm, which is about 106 members on scene. This was a difficult operation but that's what we do, we overcome and put it out," FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Fred Schaaf was quoted as saying in the post.

"The train conductor is a real hero," said Eric Loegel, Local 100 Train Operators and Conductors Vice President. "Safely evacuating people from the burning train – he did an incredible job and deserves our honor and praise."

Subway trains 1 and 3 were skipping 96 Street and 86 Street stations in both directions Friday in order to allow officials to investigate the fire.

"The entire MTA family mourns his death alongside a grateful city," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye in a statement Friday afternoon. "Our hearts break for his family, loved ones and all those who knew him."

In the statement, Foye said the MTA is offering up to $50,000 for information that leads to the arrest, indictment and conviction of the person or people responsible for the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.