New York City witnessed a terrifying incident early Sunday morning when a man was set on fire in the middle of Times Square. The 45-year-old victim, who miraculously survived, was in Midtown Manhattan around 4 a.m. when the horrifying attack took place.
Authorities say the attacker doused the man in an unknown liquid, believed to be flammable, before setting him on fire. Emergency responders, including NYPD officers and firefighters, acted swiftly to put out the flames.
The victim, who suffered severe burns, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite the quick response, the brutality of the attack has left the city in shock.
Suspect Still on the Loose
Witnesses reported seeing the man on fire but did not witness the actual assault. The suspect, last seen wearing blue clothing, managed to escape before authorities arrived. After reviewing security footage, police believe the attacker may have known the victim, but the exact motive remains unclear.
This shocking incident echoes a similar crime that took place in a New York subway earlier this year, where a woman was tragically burned to death. Authorities are now investigating any possible connections between the cases.
Public Reacts with Shock and Fear
The attack has sparked concerns about safety in one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations. Locals and visitors alike are disturbed by the increasing number of violent crimes in public spaces.
“It’s insane! I don’t understand what’s going on with people who just want to set others on fire,” said Steven Ortiz, a New York City resident. Another resident, Kathy Holland, expressed her disbelief: “Sunday mornings are supposed to be peaceful, and this is just shocking.”
The NYPD urges anyone with information about the suspect to come forward as the investigation continues. If you have any details, please contact the authorities immediately.
