NJ Transit, LIRR suspended at Penn Station due to train car fire

A fire inside a station shut down Penn Station and disrupted Long Island Rail Road service. Emergency crews responded after FDNY declared a two-alarm fire, with the incident reported just after 1:30 a.m. on an Amtrak work train car in a Hudson River tunnel. The fire escalated to a second alarm nearly an hour later, bringing more than 140 fire and EMS personnel. Two people suffered serious injuries and were taken to the hospital, while three others refused medical attention. Midtown Direct service was diverted to Hoboken, and tickets and passes were cross-honored at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken, and 33rd Street. LIRR trains were diverted to and from Grand Central, and the subway cross-honored LIRR tickets. Amtrak service to and from New Jersey and points south was not expected until the afternoon, with reduced service from northern and eastern locations.

"Emergency crews are at the scene after the FDNY declared a two-alarm fire inside the station. The video showed a chaotic scene with a massive response. Transportation officials said the fire was reported just after 1:30 a.m. on an Amtrak work train car in one of the Hudson River tunnels. The incident escalated to a second alarm response nearly an hour later. More than 140 fire and EMS personnel were called to the scene."

"Two people are suffering serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Three others refused medical attention, according to officials. NJ Transit train alternatives Midtown Direct service is being diverted to Hoboken. Train tickets and passes are being cross-honored by NJ Transit, private carriers, and PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd Street, New York."

"LIRR being diverted Trains are currently being diverted to and from Grand Central. The subway is also cross-honoring LIRR tickets. Amtrak suspended until afternoon Amtrak officials said service to and from New Jersey to New York and points south isn't expected until the afternoon. Service from northern and eastern locations is also reduced."

""Amtrak apologizes for the inconvenience and is providing rebooking opportunities and refunds while it works to return to scheduled service levels," a statement read."

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