A man who was shoved onto subway tracks in New York City on New Year’s Eve is expected to make a full recovery despite serious injuries, including a skull fracture and broken ribs. The attack occurred at the West 18th Street station in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood as Joseph Lynskey, 45, was waiting for a 1 train.
The suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins, pushed Lynskey onto the tracks as the train approached. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, dressed in a black jacket, pushing Lynskey from behind before he was hit by the train.
Lynskey’s condition was initially critical but has since been upgraded to stable. His brother, Christopher Lynskey, shared that Joseph is awake and talking, and despite his injuries, he is expected to recover. Video footage from the scene shows firefighters rescuing the victim by pulling him back onto the platform. It’s unclear how Lynskey survived, but safety experts suggest that the space between the tracks and the platform may have helped cushion the impact.
Hawkins was arrested the same day and charged with attempted murder and assault. He is being held without bail. Hawkins has a history of legal issues, including assault and harassment charges in Brooklyn.
The incident has reignited safety concerns about subway platforms, with similar attacks previously resulting in fatalities. Despite a decrease in overall subway crime, subway violence remains a persistent worry for New Yorkers.
