Subway and Train-Related Electrocutions in New York City

We examined the characteristics of subway- and train-related electrocution deaths in New York City between January 1, 2018 and May 31, 2024. These subway and train systems utilize an electrified third rail between 600V and 750V DC. During this period, there were 61 deaths due to electrocution. Of these, 39 cases occurred in the subway or train systems (NYC subway, Long Island Rail Road, Port Authority Trans-Hudson), 27 of which were due to electrocution only, and 12 due to a combination of electrocution and blunt trauma. The manners of death among these 39 deaths were: 23 accident, 11 undetermined, 4 suicide, and 1 homicide. In 36 of 39 deaths, significant charring of the skin was present on at least one part of the body, with charring present in more than one part of the body in most cases. Many cases also demonstrated a characteristic blistering pattern of electrothermal injury at a different location on the body away from the charring that may correspond to an electrical current "exit site." Notably, in two cases, only relatively minor electrothermal injury was identified.