MTA worker killed in train accident at Yankee Stadium subway stop

New York, NY – A fatal incident on the subway tracks near the 161st Street-Yankee Stadium station has left the MTA and transit unions searching for answers. Moet McCullum, a 41-year-old construction flagger, was killed late Thursday night when a D train struck her while she was working on the tracks. The accident occurred just after 11:30 p.m., and McCullum was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.

McCullum was employed as a flagger, a critical safety role responsible for warning approaching trains to slow or stop when workers are on the tracks. According to MTA officials, she was stationed near River Avenue and East 161st Street when the train hit her. The incident has sparked multiple investigations, including reviews by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the New York City Transit Joint Safety Task Force, and the safety team of TWU Local 100, the union representing subway workers.

Initial findings from TWU Local 100 leadership, shared at a briefing on Friday, indicate that both the train crew and the track workers were following established procedures. The D train had been given clearance to proceed along the tracks prior to the collision. This raises a critical question: what caused the breakdown in communication that led to McCullum being struck? The NTSB has not yet released a preliminary report, but investigators are expected to examine radio logs, signal systems, and the positioning of all workers at the time.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about worker safety on the subway system. TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis stated, "We lost a dedicated member last night who was doing her job to protect others. This is a gut-wrenching reminder that even when protocols are followed, a single miscommunication can cost a life. We are calling for an immediate review of track safety procedures, including the use of additional redundancy systems like physical barriers and automated warning devices."

This incident is not isolated. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), on-track worker fatalities have been a persistent issue across the nation, with an average of 10 to 15 deaths per year over the past decade—many occurring in urban transit systems. In New York City alone, there have been at least three other track worker fatalities since 2018, including a 2019 incident where a track inspector was struck by a train on the same line. The MTA has implemented safety reforms, such as the "Track Worker Protection" initiative in 2020, which introduced enhanced training and mandatory use of personal warning devices. However, Thursday's incident suggests that gaps remain.

The MTA released a statement expressing condolences: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Moet McCullum. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and coworkers. A full investigation is underway, and we will cooperate fully with the NTSB and other agencies to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies."

Meanwhile, the 161st Street-Yankee Stadium station remains operational, but the section of track where the accident occurred is closed for the investigation. Commuters have reported delays on the D line during the morning rush, as transit officials reroute trains around the scene.

The case has also drawn attention from city lawmakers. Council Member for the Bronx, where the station is located, urged the MTA to expedite the installation of "worker-on-track" detection systems, which use sensors and cameras to automatically alert train operators of personnel on the tracks. "This is a tragedy that could have been avoided with modern technology," she said in a statement. "We cannot afford to wait for another life to be lost."

As the investigation unfolds, the transit community is mourning the loss of a worker who was doing her job to keep others safe. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days, but full findings may take months. Until then, the MTA and TWU Local 100 are calling for patience and a focus on systemic improvements.

The death of Moet McCullum is a stark reminder of the risks transit workers face every day. In the coming weeks, the safety task force will likely recommend new protocols, which could include mandatory two-way communication checks, more frequent drills, and the use of portable electronic barriers. For now, her family asks for privacy as they grieve, and the union has set up a fund to support them.

This article was written on March 21, 2025, based on the latest available information.