Illinois has no shortage of wild moments on public transit, but this one might top the list. A video circulating online has social media buzzing over an eyebrow-raising scene that unfolded aboard a Chicago Transit Authority train, involving open flame, food, and just another level of nonchalance.
According to footage shared online by @Chicago_Goofies, a man riding what is identified as the CTA Red Line set up a small portable charcoal grill directly on the floor of the train car and lit it mid-ride. The video shows visible flames and rising smoke as the man, wearing a beige T-shirt printed with an outline of Africa, dark shorts, and yellow Timberland boots, tends the fire with a metal lid.
His identity, the exact date of the incident, and Illinois transit officials’ awareness of it have not been independently confirmed.
At one point, the man lifts the entire grill to reveal chicken pieces cooking on the grate, several already charred. He then picks up a piece and eats it while wearing sunglasses, seemingly unbothered by the flames at his feet or the people around him.
A white plastic container resembling a lighter fluid bottle sits near the grill, along with a puddle of liquid on the train’s speckled floor. Other riders keep their distance: one sits nearby without reacting, while another, wearing a mask, a blue Yankees cap, and a backpack, walks past and briefly interacts with him before moving on.
The clip was shared with the caption, “Of course is on the red line,” a nod to the Red Line’s reputation for hosting some of the CTA’s more chaotic viral moments.
Internet Reacts to Illinois Man Grilling Chicken on Moving CTA Train
Reaction split between disbelief and dark humor. One commenter wrote, “There’s no shortage of stupid, but lighting a grill on a moving train is a new level,” while another took a grimmer view, writing, “He’s really trying to kill everybody for a viral video.”
Others leaned into sarcasm. “People say the CTA isn’t safe but clearly you can enjoy a nice BBQ on it,” one user joked, and a similar comment argued, “Probably the best that train car has smelled in years.”
A third pushed back with grim optimism, writing, “At least he didn’t light a person on fire this time. Things are improving.” Someone else raised the more pointed safety issue sarcastically, warning, “Ignore the carbon monoxide in a closed space, folks! No big deal!”
Public transit systems like the CTA generally prohibit open flames and cooking equipment onboard, rules meant to prevent exactly this kind of scenario. It’s unclear whether the incident was reported or whether anyone on the Illinois transit system intervened during the ride.
