Two teens climbed onto a moving subway train for a thrill, and only one survived the ride.

Two teens climbed onto a moving subway train for a thrill, and only one survived the ride.

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4-year-old boy is dead and an 18-year-old is in critical condition after a subway surfing stunt on the Williamsburg Bridge turned fatal.

It is the kind of news that stops a parent in their tracks. Two young lives were changed forever in a matter of seconds while chasing a thrill on top of a moving train.

What Happened

The incident took place on Friday as a J train traveled across the Williamsburg Bridge in Lower Manhattan. A 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old were riding on top of the train cars.

Video of the event shows the pair moving along the roof of the train. As the train passed under a low beam, one of the teens was struck in the head and fell from the train to the tracks below.

The 14-year-old boy died from his injuries. The 18-year-old, who had just celebrated his birthday that day, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition.

What the money/evidence shows

• One 14-year-old boy was killed in the incident.
• One 18-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition.
• The incident occurred on the Williamsburg Bridge in Lower Manhattan.
• The teens were riding on top of a J train.
• A similar fatal incident involving a 12-year-old girl occurred on the same bridge in October.

The Bigger Question

Why do kids keep risking their lives for a few seconds of video or a rush of adrenaline? We have to ask if our city and our schools are doing enough to show the real, permanent cost of these online trends.

It is easy to blame the kids for being reckless. But we should also look at why these dangerous stunts feel like a normal way to spend an afternoon for some teens.

The Other Side

There is no defense for the act of subway surfing, as it is illegal and extremely dangerous. The evidence provided by the video footage makes it clear that the risks involved are immediate and often fatal.

What Happens Now

This tragedy will likely lead to more calls for the MTA to increase security and surveillance on train roofs. For families, it serves as a painful reminder to talk to their children about the dangers of social media challenges.

What we still don't know

• Were the teens attempting to film the stunt for social media?
• How did the teens gain access to the roof of the train?
• Will there be new safety measures added to the Williamsburg Bridge to prevent future access?

Source Note: All charges are allegations - the individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.