Was Checking Switches: Subway Signalman Injured by Train

Was Checking Switches
Subway Signalman Injured by Train

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

A veteran transit worker who got clipped by a train Dec. 6 while inspecting and repairing switches along the Q line in Brooklyn is in stable condition at Lutheran Hospital.

Fifty-five-year-old Signal Maintainer Yakov Tesentner was struck at approximately noon near East 16th St. and Avenue U by a Coney-Island bound train.

New York City Transit officials said he was part of a three-person flagging crew assigned to inspect and repair switches, and paint equipment.

Why Was He Alone?

Paul Fleuranges, an NYC Transit spokesman, said investigators were still looking into the details of the accident, but that the agency was troubled Mr. Tesentner had been alone when he got hit.

"What is clear is that his crew was doing signal work near Kings Highway and he was at a station one stop south," Mr. Fleuranges said. "Nobody should be on the roadbed without proper flagging."

Transport Workers' Union Local 100 President Roger Toussaint said the incident "shows the extreme hazards of the job and the extent of the sacrifices transit workers undergo every day in order to keep the public working. Our hopes and prayers are with the family."

A witness who was in the third car of the train that hit Mr. Tesentner told this newspaper that the man was thrown into the middle track upon impact. A video the witness took from the window of the train car showed Mr. Tesentner moaning and moving slightly immediately after the accident. He briefly tried to sit up and then appeared to lose consciousness.

Colleague Got Help

His face was bleeding profusely in the video, and blood dotted the lower half of his torn jeans. A second transit worker quickly appeared on the scene and draped bright orange reflective vests around Mr. Tesentner and then left to call for help.

Mr. Fleuranges said investigators were looking at the actions of the Train Operator, but said there was no evidence of wrongdoing.