Man Wanted In Connection To Deadly Harlem Subway Fire: NYPD

HARLEM, NY — Police are hunting a man suspected of sparking the blaze that killed a "hero" subway conductor in a Harlem train station, an NYPD spokesman said.

The NYPD released the photo of a man Saturday wanted for questioning in relation to Friday's deadly fire at the West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue station. The MTA is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information that may lead to an arrest, the agency said Friday.

MTA conductor Garrett Goble died early Friday morning after a fire broke out on a No. 2 train inside the West 110th Street station about 3:15. Goble's 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. Just before noon on Friday, FDNY posted a photo to Instagram of the damage to the train.

"When units arrived on scene, they found heavy fire inside the subway station coming from the cars. There was a heavy smoke condition, limited ventilation and lots of heat," fire officials said.

Representatives for the Transit Workers Union described Goble's efforts during the fire as "heroic," saying he helped guide passengers from the burning train to safety.

"This is a terrible tragedy for this young train operator, his family and for the entire transit workforce," said Transport Workers Union President Tony Union in a statement, identifying the conductor as Garrett Goble. "Our conductor acted heroically to move passengers to the platform out of danger, and deserves our deepest thanks and support for his bravery."