bloody hell!
On a technical note: Plastic smoke is usually laden with Cyanide gases, and later Carbon Monoxide, which explains the headache and LOC - so although an understandable response, a plain pollution mask wouldn't do jack; as they only screen out particulates. You'd have needed SCBA kit to stay upright and alive for any length of time in there.

Also, You weren't stupid for wanting doughnuts and coffee; but then the QOTW doesn't specify WHO was the incompetent party. In this case, blame is shared between regulatory authorities, subway operators, both train drivers, and of course the arsonist.
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Fri 13 Feb 2009, 16:10, Reply)