A 74-year-old woman was killed after being pushed in front of an approaching train at San Francisco’s Powell Street Station on Monday night, marking the first homicide on the BART system in 2024.

The victim, Corazon Dandan, a beloved 74-year-old from San Mateo County, succumbed to her injuries after being pushed in front of a train by Trevor Belmont, a 49-year-old homeless man who has been arrested and charged with murder. This tragic incident, which happened as Dandan returned home from her job as a telephone operator, underscores ongoing safety concerns on public transit systems and has prompted an intensive investigation by BART police, who have yet to determine a motive.

Around 11 p.m. on Monday night, Dandan was standing on the platform at the Powell Street Station when she was suddenly pushed into the path of an incoming train. Witnesses reported that Dandan hit her head on the train before falling back onto the platform. Emergency responders quickly transported her to a nearby hospital, but sadly, she later succumbed to her injuries.

The assailant, identified as 49-year-old Trevor Belmont, was apprehended by BART police not long after the incident. Belmont, who is also known by the name Hoak Taing, is currently experiencing homelessness. He is now facing serious charges including murder and inflicting injury on an elderly person. Authorities have yet to determine a motive behind the attack, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Dandan, originally from San Mateo County, was returning home from her job as a telephone operator at the Parc 55 hotel when the incident occurred. Known for her dedication to her family, Dandan was a beloved aunt who played a significant role in supporting her nieces and nephews through college. Her death has shocked and saddened her community.

This incident marks a grim milestone as the first homicide on the BART system in 2024. BART officials expressed their condolences to Dandan’s family and reiterated their commitment to ensuring passenger safety. The transit system has faced security challenges in the past, and this fatality has renewed calls for improved safety measures and heightened security on public transit.

Following the incident, BART police have ramped up their presence at stations and on trains, aiming to reassure passengers and deter potential crimes. They've also made an appeal to the public for any additional information that might aid in understanding the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Safety concerns on the BART system are not new. In recent years, there have been various initiatives aimed at bolstering security, including increased police patrols and the installation of additional surveillance cameras. However, incidents like the one on Monday night highlight ongoing vulnerabilities and the need for continuous improvement.

The tragic event has sparked a broader conversation about homelessness and mental health issues in San Francisco. Organizations that work with the homeless population point out the complexities of addressing these issues, which often intersect with public safety concerns. They emphasize the need for comprehensive support systems, including mental health services, housing, and other essential resources.

As the investigation continues, BART police have emphasized the importance of passenger vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities. They have reminded the public that ensuring safety on public transit is a collective responsibility that involves cooperation between authorities and the community.

In the wake of Dandan’s death, her family and friends are mourning the loss of a woman they describe as kind-hearted and generous. Colleagues from the Parc 55 hotel have also expressed their condolences, noting her strong work ethic and warm demeanor. They are hoping for justice for Dandan and seeking answers to why this senseless act of violence occurred.

Community members and local officials are set to hold a vigil in honor of Dandan at the Powell Street Station. The event aims to honor her memory and call for heightened safety measures on the BART system. The outpouring of support reflects the deep impact Dandan had on those who knew her and the broader call for justice and security in public spaces.