A 74-year-old woman was fatally injured after being pushed into the path of an oncoming Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train at Powell Street Station in San Francisco, California. The suspect, Trevor Belmont, also known as Hoak Taing, a 49-year-old transient, was quickly apprehended by BART police.
The victim, Corazon Dandan of San Mateo County, was waiting for a Millbrae-bound train when the incident occurred at approximately 11:05 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024.
According to BART police, Belmont allegedly pushed Dandan as the train approached, causing her to hit her head on the train before falling onto the platform. She was transported to San Francisco General Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin described the incident as a deliberate act. “We believe the suspect intentionally pushed this person into that oncoming train, causing those serious injuries,” Franklin stated.
Dandan’s family and colleagues are mourning her sudden loss. Known for her dedication and kindness, she worked as a telephone operator at the Parc 55 Hotel. Her nephew, Dr. Alvin Dandan, a St. Louis-based physician, praised her selflessness and support. “She just loved working and being around younger people,” Alvin said. “I wouldn’t be here, and many of my cousins wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her. She put a lot of people through school.”
Belmont, who has had prior contacts with law enforcement but not for violent crimes, was arrested on the platform shortly after the incident. He has been booked into San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of homicide.
This incident marks the first homicide on the BART system this year. BART police are actively investigating, interviewing witnesses, processing evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage to determine the motive behind the attack.
Dandan’s death has sparked discussions on the safety of public transit systems and the challenges posed by the presence of individuals with severe mental health issues within these environments. Her family, friends, and coworkers remember her as a generous and loving person who significantly impacted their lives.