Normal New York train ride nearly turned into full blown stampede of people after woman said ‘this will be your last day on earth’

A routine morning commute on a train from New Canaan, Connecticut, turned into a chaotic scene when a woman allegedly threatened fellow passengers. The incident occurred just as the train approached Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

As reported by People, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a woman on board began experiencing an emotional crisis as the train neared Track 110. A witness reported that the woman allegedly stated, “This will be your last day on earth.” In response to the behavior, a passenger pulled the emergency cord, which brought the train to a halt about 100 yards from the platform.

The situation escalated quickly when 60 passengers decided to self-evacuate the train. Many of these individuals climbed through emergency windows to reach the tracks and walk toward the platform. It is important to note that MTA workers did not open the doors, and passengers were not instructed to leave the vehicle. 

The woman is now facing a felony charge 

Nigel Sirois, a 22-year-old pharmacy student who was commuting, described the tension on board. He claims he told officials that he yelled for people to run toward the front of the train to avoid the panicked crowd. He noted his primary concern was the potential for a stampede, specifically worried about elderly passengers or others who might get trampled in the chaos. 

Once the authority realized passengers were on the tracks, Metro-North Railroad reportedly disconnected the third rail and suspended service to the Lower Level of Grand Central. MTAPD officers arrived on the scene and escorted the people on the tracks to the platform. After everyone was confirmed safe, Metro-North restored service, and the train finally arrived at the platform with the remaining 650 passengers still inside.

The woman involved, 33-year-old Hannah Jane Santero of Elmhurst, New York, was detained by the MTAPD and taken to Bellevue Hospital for an evaluation. She is reportedly currently facing a felony charge of making a terroristic threat along with a misdemeanor charge of making a threat of mass harm. While no physical injuries were reported, the MTA confirmed that four passengers underwent stress evaluations following the event.