Straphangers scrambled to evacuate the Union Square subway station Friday after someone shot off pepper spray and sent several commuters into coughing fits, officials and sources said.
An MTA worker reported a foul odor on the uptown N-Q-R-W platform at the 14th Street-Union Square station at about 10:15 a.m., an agency rep said.
Social media videos posted by FreedomNews.tv showed people rushing out of the station as an evacuation announcement played over the public address system urging those inside to “please assist fellow passengers” who might need help getting out.
One person was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, according to the FDNY. Several others suffered from coughing and eye irritation, sources said.
One person was hospitalized after someone blasted pepper spray at the Union Avenue subway stop Oct. 7, 2022. Citizen
An official stands guard outside the Union Square subway station after the pepper stray attack. CitizenA police and FDNY investigation led to a temporary suspension of N-Q-R-W and 4-5-6 service, the MTA said.
