CHARLOTTE, NC — Sustain Charlotte has released a statement following a stabbing on the light rail at the East/West station in South End. The non-profit organization has expressed that despite recent events, the light rail remains one of the safest and most reliable ways to travel in Charlotte. According a news release, the organization stated the fatal stabbing incident was the first fatal attack since the Blue Line opened in 2007.
Read full statement below:
“On Friday, August 22, our community was shaken by the tragic and senseless loss of Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally attacked while riding the light rail train near the East/West station in South End. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who knew her.
This was the first fatal attack on Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line since it opened in 2007. In nearly 18 years of service, the line has carried more than 90 million passengers without an onboard fatality until now.
By contrast, the danger on our streets is tragically routine. In a single year alone (2023), 105 people were killed and 16,066 injured in vehicle crashes. Since 2007, Charlotte has seen an estimated 1,800 traffic deaths and about a quarter-million injuries compared to one fatal onboard attack on light rail.
Light rail remains one of the safest and most reliable ways to travel in our growing city.
Solutions must be holistic. National and global practice suggests a more effective path: combining trained staff presence, smart surveillance technology, better lighting and station design, and clear communication tools—balanced with strong investments in mental health and social services.
While adding security staff can deter minor crimes and reassure some riders, such presence likely would not have prevented a rare and sudden attack like this one.
Charlotte’s light rail remains safe. We honor Iryna’s memory by continuing the work to ensure that everyone can travel in our city with safety and dignity.”
