The Deadly Reality Behind Subway Surfing

Subway Surfing is when someone rides on the outside of a moving subway train instead of staying inside safely. People might do it for fun, for videos, or to show off, but it's extremely dangerous. Many people have been badly hurt or even killed from falling, hitting tunnels, or getting shocked by electric rails.

On October 4th, 2025 at around 3:10 AM, two girls in New York City were found dead on top of a subway train at the Mercy Avenue station in Brooklyn. Police said the girls were likely subway surfing when the accident happened. The event shocked many people and reminded everyone how risky and deadly subway surfing can be. Local media shared that one of the girls was a 12-year-old named Zemfira and was accompanied by her 13-year-old friend.

Subway Surfing has become a risky trend among young people in recent years, especially across New York City. Many teens are drawn to it because of the thrill and viral videos they see online, not realizing how deadly it can be. Riding on top of fast moving trains, especially in the dark or in tunnels, puts them just inches away from power lines and metal beams that can cause instant death. Police have warned people many times not to do it, but it still gains traction on social media. What seems fun and cool online can quickly turn into a deadly mistake, like what happened at Mercy Avenue Station. NBC news stated that “An NBC News review of surfing incidents found 18 deaths in New York City in 2023 and 2024 — six deaths occurred in 2023 and 12 in 2024. The NYPD said in August, before the girls died Saturday, that three people had died in subway surfing incidents this year.”

What might look exciting or harmless can end in a serious injury or even death. People, especially teens, should understand that no video or thrill is worth losing their life. Staying safe and following the rules can prevent more heartbreak like this in the future.