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Man dragged to death by subway in Brooklyn after getting caught on closing doors
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Sep 29, 2026
Modified Sep 29, 2026
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Sep 29, 2026
Modified Sep 29, 2026
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A man died on Monday evening when a shopping bag he was holding got caught in the closing doors of a Brooklyn subway car, leading him to get dragged to his death during rush hour, according to the NYPD.
Police officials said the incident happened at 5:48 p.m. on the A train line at Utica Avenue. They said the man was exiting the subway when his bag got caught by the doors. As the train pulled away, the man was dragged in between the cars and onto the tracks, police said. He died at the scene.
Police identified the man as 57-year-old Yaw Boahene and said his last known address was a homeless shelter in East Flatbush.
While rare, other subway riders have died in recent years when their articles of clothing or personal belongings got caught in the subway doors.
A commuter died at Columbus Circle in 2022 when his clothing got stuck in the doors on a 1 train during the evening rush. A Chelsea bartender was dragged to death in a similar manner when his clothes got stuck in the doors of a Manhattan-bound F train in 2016.
The MTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Monday’s incident.
This story has been updated with additional information from the NYPD.
Tagged
MTA
public safety
transportation
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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