On Camera, Indian-Origin Woman, Friend Crushed To Death By Subway Train In New York

In a tragic incident on September 14, 2026, 24-year-old Indian-origin woman Malaika Chitre and her Nepali-American friend Navam Kaul were struck and killed by a subway train while sitting on the tracks at the Spring Street station in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The pair, both recent graduates of Rutgers University, were identified as longtime friends who had recently completed their studies in 2024.

According to eyewitness footage widely shared on social media, the two were seen sitting on the tracks shortly before the train arrived. The train operator reportedly attempted to activate the emergency brake but was unable to stop the train in time. Chitre was observed laughing as she pulled Kaul towards her while they sat on the tracks.

Law enforcement sources stated that one of the individuals may have inadvertently fallen or climbed onto the tracks, causing the other to join them. Upon receiving reports of two people needing assistance at the station, police officers found Chitre and Kaul on the tracks after they had been struck. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The exact circumstances leading to both individuals remaining on the tracks are under investigation. Police are currently examining whether alcohol or intoxication played a role, and whether the victims fully understood the danger they were in. No suicide notes were found, though suicide remains a possible explanation. The investigation is ongoing.

Chitre worked as an operations specialist at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, while Kaul served as a financial data analyst at Bloomberg. Both were Rutgers University alumni, having graduated in the same year.