Fire at Penn Station Causes Major Service Disruptions

Early Morning Fire at Manhattan’s Penn Station

An intense fire broke out at Manhattan’s Penn Station in the early hours, leading to significant disruptions for train commuters. The incident occurred near the North River Tunnel, which links Penn Station to New Jersey.

Impact on Train Services

The fire triggered cancellations for Long Island Railroad (LIRR) services. Limited service was restored around 7 a.m. Meanwhile, NJ Transit trains to Newark and Amtrak trains heading south experienced suspensions. Severe delays were reported between New York City and northern destinations.

Beyond the North River Tunnel, NJ Transit disruptions affected MetroNorth services on the Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Lines.

The fire, caused by Amtrak overhead wire damage due to an Amtrak contractor maintenance vehicle incident, resulted in NJ Transit rail suspensions between Penn Station New York and Newark Penn Station.

Response and Injuries

The fire ignited at 1:25 a.m. from an Amtrak contractor maintenance vehicle outside the tunnel. FDNY responded shortly after as the fire escalated to a two-alarm blaze by 2:43 a.m. A total of 141 firefighters and EMS personnel controlled the fire by 4 a.m. Five individuals sustained injuries, with two hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital with serious injuries.

Mayor Mamdani commended the swift action of first responders via social media, wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

Amtrak’s Statement

Amtrak reported overhead wire damage affecting train power. Southbound service remained suspended until Friday afternoon. Amtrak offered rebooking and refunds to affected passengers.

The fire is the latest in a series of incidents at the rail hub, following an electrical fire caused by a damaged Amtrak Acela train earlier this month.