Two people who were fatally struck by a train while sitting on the tracks at a Manhattan subway station may have been so intoxicated that they failed to recognize the danger until moments before the collision, law-enforcement sources said.
Kaul Navam, 24, either fell or climbed onto the tracks at Spring Street station early Sunday, prompting Malaika Chitre, also 24, to descend in an apparent attempt to help him, according to the sources.
Chitre appeared to pull Navam toward her shortly before both were struck by an approaching No. 4 train at about 3:15 a.m., the sources said.
Disturbing video of the incident, which circulated widely online, showed the pair sitting on the tracks as the train approached and struck them.
Investigators were examining whether either victim was so impaired by drugs or alcohol that they did not fully comprehend the danger, according to the sources.
Authorities did not find suicide notes, though investigators have not ruled out suicide as a possible motive, the sources said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
