Flames engulf Chicago train carriage as man tries to set himself on fire
'A man told us to run because the guy was throwing gas everywhere and had a lighter'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Footage has emerged of flames engulfing a train carriage after a man doused in paint thinner attempted to set himself on fire.
In CCTV pictures released this week by the Chicago Transport Authority, suspect David Ferguson, 28, is seen tussling with a railway worker at Argyle station in the north of the city.
The employee is seen aiming a kick at a tin of flammable paint thinner being held by Mr Ferguson in an apparent attempt to knock it out of his hand.
Police officers then become involved in the tussle in an attempt to remove the man from the carriage.
The paint thinner spilled on the floor of the train then ignites, forcing officers to drag the suspect out of harm’s way.
“As I reached the downstairs of the station a man started running and tells us to run because the guy was throwing gas everywhere and had a lighter,” an eyewitness, Jennifer Moran, told Chicago’s NBC 5 TV station.
“As soon as I stepped out the station the train went up in flames and the entire train was filled with pitch black smoke and the cops talking to him had also bolted.”
Mr Ferguson was later charged with aggravated arson and aggravated battery, and was held without bail, according to NBC5.
A police officer and a CTA worker were both taken to hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries following the incident.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments