Harlem Subway Station Reopens Following Fatal Fire, MTA Says

HARLEM, NY — A Harlem subway station reopened Monday more than a week after a fatal fire broke out in the station, killing an MTA conductor, the transit agency announced.

The 110th Street and Lenox Avenue station on the 2/3 lines resumed service Monday morning, albeit at a reduced rate due to cuts caused by the coronavirus outbreak in New York City, MTA officials announced Monday.

"Train Operator Garrett Goble was a hero for delivering transportation for people working to save lives during a pandemic, and for trying help riders during the fire that tragically took his life. Transit workers did a remarkable job getting a horribly damaged station repaired, restored and cleaned up with the dignity and speed that TO Goble's memory and our customers deserve," New York City Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg said in a statement.

The station suffered serve damage during the fire, transit officials said. Power, lighting, cabling, signals and communications systems in the station were destroyed by the heat generated by the fire and floor and wall tiles were damaged by flames and smoke. Work to rehabilitate the station included a full repainting and washing of the station, officials said.

MTA Conductor Garrett Goble died on March 27 when a fire broke out in the station around 3 a.m., police and fire officials said. Goble's body was found in the roadbed of the station and rushed to Mount Sinai hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Four other people were also hospitalized in stable condition, police said. Seven civilians and five firefighters suffered minor injuries during the fire, according to an FDNY spokesperson.

Goble, 36, was leading passengers to safety when he died, transit officials said.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke about Goble during a news conference while memorializing public servants who have died while the city battles the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. Goble's death is not directly caused by coronavirus, but as an essential worker he put his safety on the line to keep New York City running as most people stay at home.
"He worked to get everyone else to safety first and then got off the train and passed away immediately after, leaves behind two young sons in his family. So sad. And someone who, again, was right there at the moment, his last moments of his life, protecting others, serving others, saving others," de Blasio said.

Representatives for the Transit Workers Union described Goble's efforts during the fire as "heroic."

Police are investigating the fatal fire as an arson, and have questioned an ex-con in connection with the blaze. No arrests have been made in connection with the fire as of Monday.