Woman Set on Fire by Passenger on Chicago Train

A man on the CTA train poured a liquid on the victim, 26, and ignited it, causing serious burns to her face.
Nov. 18, 2025

Deanese Williams-Harris

Chicago Tribune

(TNS)

A 26-year-old woman was left in critical condition after being set on fire during an argument Monday night on a CTA Blue Line train, Chicago police said.

About 9:25 p.m., the victim was involved in an argument with a man about 45 years of age while she was on a train in the 100 block of West Lake Street when the argument turned physical. The man poured a liquid on the woman and ignited it, setting the woman on fire, Chicago police said.

When the train came to a stop, the man fled the scene. The woman also exited the train and fell to the ground where the fire was extinguished before police arrived. The woman suffered severe burns to her body, and was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, police said.

No one was in custody, and Chicago Police Arson Detectives are investigating.

©2025 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!