A routine Monday night commute turned terrifying in Chicago’s Loop when a 26-year-old woman was set on fire aboard a CTA Blue Line train near the Clark & Lake station. Police say the woman got into a brief argument with a man before he poured a flammable liquid on her and ignited it, according to ABC News. The attacker fled as soon as the train stopped, leaving bystanders in shock.
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Firefighters and paramedics rushed in, extinguishing the flames and taking the woman to Stroger Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Police are investigating the case as arson, and a person of interest is now in custody.
The attack has raised serious concerns about safety on public transit — a place millions rely on daily. For many Chicagoans, this incident is a disturbing reminder of how vulnerable passengers can be and how urgently the city needs stronger protections and mental-health resources.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on justice for the victim and finding ways to prevent such violence from happening again.
