New York Subway Rider Trapped Between Train and Platform

A New York subway rider is in serious condition after being trapped between the train and the platform. INSIDE EDITION reports from the subway platform where it happened.

A was a scene of sheer agony. A New York subway rider named Michael Dion grimaced in unspeakable pain, crushed between the train and the platform, desperately screaming for help.

At the New York's Union Square subway station, there's a gap between the train and the platform. A hydraulic extender comes out to push toward the train. Dion was caught between that extender and the train. 

It was a case of life imitating art. A 1993 episode of Homicide: Life on the Street featured Vincent D'Onofrio as a subway rider who gets caught between the train and the platform.

In that episode, everyone knows that D'Onofrio's character will die as soon as the train is separated from the platform.

The real-life subway victim was freed after half an hour, and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Now this incredible story has taken a strange turn.

The victim was identified as Michael Dion, which happens to be the name of an actor, who's appeared in small budget films like Vacationland. Director Todd Verow was shocked when he heard the news.

Verow told INSIDE EDITION's Les Trent, "I actually sent him a message on Facebook and he got back to me, so I knew he was okay."

The actual victim is a 41-year-old marketing representative. He remains in serious condition.

Meanwhile, New York subway riders remain wary of the sliding gate system that's been in effect for the better part of a century.

Trent asked one New York subway rider, "Do you ever get worried when you're standing on this thing?"

"Definitely. I definitely do. Everytime I come on this platform. It's very dangerous," said the rider.