A woman suffered critical burns after being set on fire by a man on a CTA Blue Line train in chicago’s Loop Monday night, leading to a swift arrest.
The incident occurred around 9:25 p.m. near the Clark and Lake station, according to Chicago police. A 26-year-old woman was engaged in a verbal altercation with a 45-year-old man when the situation escalated. The man allegedly doused the woman with a liquid and ignited it, causing severe burns. This attack underscores ongoing safety concerns within the city’s public transportation system and prompts a deeper look into preventative measures and responses to escalating conflicts in public spaces.Witnesses reported seeing the woman exit the train and collapse on the platform, where bystanders rendered aid until emergency personnel arrived.She was transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, with visible burns to her head, as shown in circulating video footage.
Police took a suspect into custody at the scene, though his identity has not yet been released. An arson inquiry is currently underway to determine the exact nature of the liquid used and to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident occurs as Chicago, like many major U.S. cities, has experienced a recent decline in violent crime following a surge during the pandemic. The city has previously been the subject of national scrutiny regarding crime rates, particularly following comments made by former President donald Trump characterizing it as a “crime-ridden wasteland.” Local officials have consistently disputed such claims.The associated Press contributed to this report.
