Still Alive: Her Incredible Survival After Being Run Over by a 7-Car Train

Originally from Brisbane, Visaya was in NYC attempting to fast-track her art career after recently graduating from college. Little did she know how life in the city would change her forever one early January morning.

The oncoming train sped toward Manhattan’s 14th Street subway station around 4 a.m. on January 11, 2020, as 23-year-old Visaya Hoffier tripped and fell from its platform, leaving the train conductor without time to activate the emergency brake system. The seven-car train struck Visaya, leaving her critically wounded and lying on the tracks.

The unthinkable had occurred, but it wasn't over. No one seemed to notice the fall or Visaya lying helplessly on the tracks. Twenty minutes passed and she still lay on the tracks when a second, smaller train struck Visaya. The conductor spotted her bright pink shirt and immediately administered help, although could not stop before striking Visaya.

Visaya Transported to Hospital

Visaya was transported to Bellevue Hospital, Manhattahn’s oldest medical facility, where doctors described her as “unrecognizable.” She had a skull fracture, and a neck fracture, and her right leg and left foot were badly mangled. Her legs were so severely traumatized, she needed a double amputation above the knees.

Doctors immediately placed the then-unknown patient in a breathing incubator. She was named “Trauma Ohio” until her parents arrived from Australia and provided her name.

Visaya spent several weeks recovering in the hospital. She was in constant pain, could not turn her head, and needed help getting around. She could not sit up on her own, and her physical condition had affected her mental health. To top it off, the COVID-19 pandemic struck America, filling the rooms beside her with sick patients.

Flying Home to Australia

On April 11, three months after the injury, doctors cleared Visaya to fly home to Brisbane with her mother. Although still in need of medical care, she wanted to be back home. Flying out of the country amidst the COVID-19 pandemic was risky -and expensive, costing the family over $64,000 in travel expenses.

Visaya’s mother was quarantined for two weeks after she arrived back in Australia. Thankfully, she never contracted the virus. Visaya was immediately taken to a hospital where she tested positive for the virus.

She slowly recovered from her injuries and continues to thrive in her personal and professional life.

Lawsuit Filed

Hoffie filed a lawsuit against the Port Authority, the MTA, and the city, claiming her injuries resulted in part due to negligence and a lack of proper safety measures in place at the subway station.

In her lawsuit, Hoffie claimed the station was not well-lit. Had it been, she claimed, the driver would’ve seen her before striking her. She further claimed the sensors on the first rain that were supposed to detect objects were not working. She also stated the fact that she was left on the tracks for so long was “clear evidence of negligence” by the Port Authority.

Visaya's Artwork

Visaya lives a happy life in Brisbane despite all that she has been through. She now has prosthetic legs which allow her to move around as she pleases. She continues to pursue her art career and began her own exhibition. You can visit Visaya's website to view the artwork and support her on the journey.

SOURCES:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-12/visaya-hoffie-coronavirus-new-york-train-accident-victim/12222182

https://www.peaksportsandspinecentre.com.au/visaya-hoffie-room-nomination-winner-2021/

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