The tragic death of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on a Brooklyn train has brought back painful memories for Vicki Goble, a mother who lost her son in a similar incident in 2020. Garrett Goble, a 36-year-old motorman for the MTA, died after a career criminal started a fire on the No. 2 train he was operating. Despite Goble’s heroic efforts to evacuate passengers from the blazing train, he succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Vicki Goble, who now resides in Arizona due to the trauma of her son’s death, expressed her outrage that the MTA has not taken sufficient measures to improve fire safety on the subway system. She and Garrett’s wife, Delilah, have been advocating for the installation of fire extinguishers in MTA workers’ cabins since his tragic passing. Vicki Goble believes that if her son had access to a fire extinguisher, he might have had a chance to save himself and others on the train.
The recent incident, where a homeless woman was killed in a subway car fire, further highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures on the MTA. The alleged arsonist, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, was arrested for the heinous murder, but the tragedy could have been prevented if the MTA had prioritized fire safety for its workers and passengers.
Despite calls for action, the MTA spokesperson stated that fire extinguishers are only available along the tracks and within station booths, areas inaccessible to the public. Vicki Goble remains disappointed in the MTA’s lack of initiative in modernizing fire safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of workers and passengers.
The heartbreaking loss of Garrett Goble and the recent subway fire tragedy serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for improved safety measures on the MTA. As Vicki Goble continues to advocate for change, it is crucial for the MTA to prioritize fire safety to prevent further tragedies and protect the lives of those who rely on the subway system.
