Two reckless individuals filmed themselves clinging to the exterior of a Los Angeles Metro train as it barreled through underground tunnels for 21 minutes, risking instant death with every passing second in a dangerous social media stunt.
Dangerous Ride Through LA Underground
Instagram footage captured one rider perched on the front of a D Line train while another filmed from just behind as the train traveled at approximately 30 miles per hour through subway tunnels beneath Los Angeles. The video shows the pair maintaining their positions as lights and infrastructure flash by within feet of them. The train passed through multiple underground stations with waiting passengers visible on platforms, yet the riders remained outside the moving train throughout the entire journey.
Daredevil idiots film themselves in stupidest stunt imaginable beneath Los Angeles streets https://t.co/2MI5NbsniD pic.twitter.com/LwbvhLo3u5
— New York Post (@nypost) July 9, 2026
The footage concluded at the Mid-Wilshire station, where both individuals climbed down from the train’s exterior and walked away. Authorities have not confirmed when the incident occurred or whether additional people participated in the stunt. The riders’ identities remain unknown, and it remains unclear if law enforcement has launched an investigation into the dangerous activity.
Train Operator Issues Stark Warning
A commenter identifying as a train operator responded to the video with a grim assessment of the risks involved. The operator explained that a single mistake could result in falling onto the electrified third rail, causing the victim to be electrocuted from the inside out. Alternatively, a fall could lead to dismemberment by a following train. The operator characterized the behavior as absolutely reckless, highlighting the multiple life-threatening hazards present in the subway environment.
Growing Trend Draws Safety Concerns
The Los Angeles incident represents the latest example of subway surfing, a dangerous social media trend where young people film themselves riding on the exterior of moving trains to gain online attention. Transit agencies nationwide have repeatedly warned against this practice, emphasizing that it can result in serious injury or death. The trend continues despite these warnings and the obvious dangers, driven by the pursuit of viral content and social media engagement among young thrill-seekers.
The practice raises concerns about the influence of social media culture on risk-taking behavior, particularly among younger demographics seeking online validation. Transit authorities face ongoing challenges in preventing such incidents while maintaining regular service operations. The frequency of these stunts suggests that warnings alone may prove insufficient to deter individuals willing to risk their lives for internet fame and the temporary attention that viral videos can generate.