East Midtown, Manhattan – Dr. C.G. Wang, a 90‑year‑old former astrophysics professor, is recovering after a shocking assault on an MTA E‑train that left him with multiple fractures and a new hip replacement.
Details of the incident
According to Dr. Wang, he has taken the E train to the 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue station for about a decade, knowing exactly where to stand to catch the escalator. “I know exactly which the door will be open for the escalator,” he said.
On the afternoon of Oct. 6, the train was relatively empty. Dr. Wang recalled that a man was standing in front of the door nearest the escalator. When Wang announced his intention to exit, the other passenger stepped aside, the door opened, and Dr. Wang was shoved so hard that he “flew out of the train.” He landed on his hip, then his shoulder, and finally his head, describing the impact as “boom, boom, boom.” While his head was not injured, the fall broke several bones and required a hip replacement.
Family response and police investigation
Wang’s son, Juin Wang, met his father at the hospital and said police informed the family that his father had been pushed, not fallen. “Who does this? You know, who, who, who would shove a 90‑year‑old, frail, visually impaired man?” he asked.
Despite the trauma, the family’s primary focus is Dr. Wang’s recovery and preventing similar attacks. “Except for trying to be sure this doesn’t happen to anybody else. But there’s a lot to do to help him build his strength back,” Juin said.
Dr. Wang, who continued commuting to an office to conduct research and write, said he had never before experienced a serious accident or hospitalization.
Police appeal for information
Three weeks after the attack, the NYPD released surveillance footage of a suspect and are asking anyone who recognizes the individual to call the tip line at 800‑577‑TIPS.
The incident underscores concerns about safety on public transit, especially for seniors and those with visual impairments. While the MTA has increased its presence of transit officers in recent months, this case highlights the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation.
Community reaction
Local residents expressed outrage and called for stronger protections for vulnerable riders. Community leaders emphasized the importance of looking out for one another on the subway, a lifeline for many New Yorkers.
Police continue to investigate and have not yet identified a motive. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
