What is TikTok's subway surfing trend? Viral trend explained after teens die

Thrill-seeking young children and teens are taking a ride on top of moving trains in the social media trend called “subway surfing” – an ode to the mobile game.

On October 23, 13 year old Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano died after attempting the subway surfing challenge in Queens, New York.

Just days later, in the same area, on October 27, a 13-year-old girl named Krystel Romero died after taking part in the social media trend as her friend was rushed to hospital.

The trend has gone so far that one parent even tried it sue the platform after her son died trying the viral subway surfing trend in 2023.

Dangerous ‘subway surfing’ trend explained

Subway surfing, also called train surfing, is riding on top of or outside a moving train. It is extremely risky and can result in falling, being electrocuted or having limbs severed.

The trend is a real-life imitation of the popular game Subway Surfers, where characters run atop fast-moving trains to collect coins and other surprises.

In 2023, there were four fatalities from suspected subway surfing in New York City, compared to five total fatalities between 2018 and 2022. Metropolitan Transit Authority reported. This resulted in the removal of more than 10,000 videos and photos related to subway surfing from social media.

MTA said reports of subway surfing by children have quadrupled from 206 to 928 since 2021.

Due to the increasing numbers, NYPD Transit Bureau Chief Joseph Gulotta stated that the city is deploying drones to address the issue.

“We have a drone program on that J line, on that 7 line, where (we) primarily see it,” Gulotta said. “We are hitting social media hard. We release videos with parents. We show what effects this has on this.”

Following the death of Krystel Romero, Mayor Eric Adams also commented on the “dangerous trend” and said the city is working hard to end the subway surfing challenge.

“I am heartbroken to learn that subway surfing – and pursuit of social media influence – has stolen another life,” Adams said. “We are doing everything we can to raise awareness against this dangerous trend, but we need all New Yorkers – and our social media companies – to do their part as well. No post is worth your future.”

This is just the latest TikTok craze that experts are warning about, as dozens of trends have been considered too dangerous.