Two Young Rutgers Graduates Killed by Subway Train in Tragic NYC Accident
The tragic pair fatally struck by a subway train in Manhattan over the weekend — and whose final moments were captured in a haunting video — were longtime friends and recent Rutgers University graduates just embarking on their careers, The Post has learned.
Victims’ Background and Aspirations
Malaika Chitre and Navam Kaul were both recent graduates of Rutgers University, having completed their degrees in 2024. Chitre secured a position as a quality operations specialist at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, while Kaul transitioned into financial services as a data analyst at Bloomberg before ending his role in May. Despite their busy schedules, both were described as focused individuals with promising futures ahead. Chitre’s LinkedIn profile reveals she is actively pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Temple University, while Kaul’s career path centered on financial analytics before his departure from Bloomberg.
A Fatal Encounter on the Tracks
On September 13, 2026, the two friends were found dead at the Spring Street subway station in Lower Manhattan. According to eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage, they were seated on the tracks just minutes before an oncoming No. 4 train struck them at approximately 3:15 a.m. Sunday. The harrowing video of the incident has circulated widely online, capturing the moment before the disaster unfolded. One witness recalled hearing Chitre laugh as she guided Kaul off the tracks, suggesting the victims may have been aware of the danger at the time.
Ongoing Investigations and Questions
NYPD detectives are currently investigating whether Chitre and Kaul may have been impaired by alcohol or drugs, failing to recognize the approaching train in time. While the possibility of suicide has also been considered, no note was discovered among their belongings. One witness recounted hearing Chitre laugh as she guided Kaul off the tracks, suggesting the victims may have been aware of the danger at the time. The MTA train operator later stated that Chitre appeared to be laughing while pulling Kaul toward her, indicating the couple was engaged in conversation despite the imminent threat.
Friendship Rooted in Shared Heritage
Beyond their academic achievements, Chitre and Kaul shared deep personal connections. Both come from the South Asian diaspora, with Kaul’s parents having immigrated to the United States nearly three decades ago. Their bond extended beyond campus, with mutual friendships and regular gatherings that strengthened their relationship. Local residents recall them as vibrant, caring individuals who brought warmth to their neighborhoods. The proximity of their homes — just eleven miles apart in suburban New Jersey — made their friendship particularly close-knit and visible to neighbors.
Community Shock and Grief
The tragedy struck a tight-knit community in suburban New Jersey, where Chitre’s family resides in South Brunswick and Kaul’s in Sayreville. Just eleven miles apart, the two had built a life together through shared experiences and support. Neighbors expressed profound sorrow, questioning how such a devastating accident could occur among young adults who seemed so much like anyone else. The loss has left a void in a community that had grown accustomed to their lively presence and contributions.
Broader Safety Concerns in Transit Systems
This incident adds to a troubling trend in New York City’s transit system. In 2023 alone, the MTA recorded 241 people struck by trains, with 97 fatalities — a stark reminder of ongoing risks. The recent case follows another subway-related fatality earlier that week involving Moet McCullum, a construction flagger who was killed when a D train struck her at 161st Street-Yankee Stadium. These tragedies underscore the critical need for enhanced safety measures across urban rail networks.
As authorities continue to seek answers, the community mourns two bright futures cut short. The deaths of Chitre and Kaul serve as a somber wake-up call regarding the safety of urban transportation systems and the importance of vigilance — especially for young professionals navigating complex environments.
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