Straphangers scrambled to evacuate the Union Square subway station Friday after someone shot off pepper spray and sent several commuters into coughing fits, officials and sources said.
An MTA worker reported a foul odor on the uptown N-Q-R-W platform at the 14th
Social-media videos posted by FreedomNews.tv showed people rushing out of the station as an evacuation announcement played over the public-address system urging those inside to “please assist fellow passengers” who made need help getting out.
One person was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, according to the FDNY. Several others suffered from coughing and eye irritation, sources said.
A police and FDNY investigation led to a temporary suspension of N-Q-R-W and 4-5-6 service, Raimundi said.
