A New York City man is expected to make a full recovery after being pushed onto subway tracks ahead of an oncoming train on New Year's Eve. The suspect, facing attempted murder and assault charges, is currently being held without bail.
Joseph Lynskey, 45, was waiting on the platform at the West 18th Street station in Manhattan when he was shoved onto the tracks as a train approached. Police have categorized the incident as a random attack. Lynskey's condition has since improved from critical to stable.
According to his brother, Christopher Lynskey, the victim sustained a skull fracture and broken ribs. However, he is now awake and communicative at Bellevue Hospital. Christopher Lynskey, who travelled from Florida to be with his brother, stated that while his brother has injuries, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Police reports initially indicated that Lynskey was struck by the train. However, authorities did not provide details regarding how the victim escaped with only broken bones. Safety experts note that while direct contact with a train is often fatal, some people survive such incidents. Lying in the trough between the tracks or finding space between the train and platform can potentially improve survival chances.
The suspect, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins, was apprehended later on the day of the incident and has been detained without bail following his first court appearance. Hawkins has existing assault and harassment charges in Brooklyn, where he is accused of attacking a woman.
Hawkins’ attorney in the subway case did not respond to requests for comment. Hawkins' father expressed shock at the allegations, noting previous, but less severe, legal troubles. This incident has reawakened fears among New Yorkers about subway safety. While such occurrences are relatively rare compared to the vast number of daily riders, the potential for life-threatening violence remains a concern. Despite a general decrease in overall subway crime through November compared to last year, killings have increased from five to nine within the same time period, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety in the city's transit system.
