The photograph came about because R. Umar Abbasi, a  freelance photographer for the tabloid was waiting on his platform when he saw a man get pushed onto the tracks and then try to climb to the platform before the train hit. By taking pictures, Mr. Abbasi hoped that the conductor would stop the train.

"Post freelance photographer R. Umar Abbasi — who had been waiting on the platform of the 49th Street station — ran toward the train, repeatedly firing off his flash to warn the operator," writes the Post. "'I just started running, running, hoping that the driver could see my flash,' said Abbasi, whose camera captured chilling shots of Suk’s tragic fight for his life."

The cover has sparked outrage. Meanwhile, the Post tweeted the story: "This is so sad. Tragedy on the NYC Subway. This man is doomed after being pushed onto the track. RIP," the Post tweeted this morning.