A 26-year-old woman was doused with a liquid and set on fire Monday night aboard a Chicago Blue Line train; she is in critical condition, police said. Witnesses said a man believed to be in his 40s argued with the woman, poured a fluid over her and ignited it before fleeing at the Clark and Lake station. As of Tuesday morning no arrests had been reported and hospital officials had not provided an update. The attack has renewed debate about urban crime and safety amid differing views on recent crime trends.
Woman Set on Fire Aboard Chicago Blue Line Train; Suspect Flees at Clark/Lake
A 26-year-old woman was doused with a liquid and set on fire Monday night aboard a Chicago Blue Line train; she is in critical condition, police said. Witnesses said a man believed to be in his 40s argued with the woman, poured a fluid over her and ignited it before fleeing at the Clark and Lake station. As of Tuesday morning no arrests had been reported and hospital officials had not provided an update. The attack has renewed debate about urban crime and safety amid differing views on recent crime trends.
09:27 PM, 11/18/2025Security
Woman set ablaze on Chicago 'L' train; suspect escapes
A 26-year-old woman was doused with a liquid and set on fire aboard a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train Monday night, leaving her in critical condition, authorities said Tuesday.
Police said witnesses told investigators that the woman and a man believed to be in his 40s began arguing on the train before the man poured a fluid over her and ignited it. When the train arrived at the Clark and Lake station, the suspect fled while the victim stumbled onto the platform and collapsed.
She was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition; authorities have not released her name. As of Tuesday morning, no arrests had been reported and hospital officials had not immediately responded to requests for an update.
Investigation and public appeal
Chicago police are investigating the assault and have asked anyone with information, photographs or video of the incident to come forward. Detectives are reviewing witness statements and station surveillance as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Broader context
Chicago, like many large U.S. cities, saw violent crime rise during the pandemic and has experienced declines from that peak in recent years, officials note. The attack has reignited debate about urban safety after former President Donald Trump described several Democratic-led cities, including Chicago, as crime-ridden and in need of federal intervention — a characterization local leaders dispute when pointing to overall crime trends.
The investigation remains active and police asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Chicago Police Department.