Watch Live: MTA gives update on fire that suspended NJ Transit, Amtrak at Penn Station
A train car fire that erupted early Friday morning has shut down NJ Transit and Amtrak service at Penn Station. That fire has since been extinguished.
The overnight fire grew into a major commuter headache for thousands of people trying to get into New York City for work.
Amtrak and NJ Transit are suspended between Penn Station in the city and Newark Penn Station. Long Island Rail Road trains are mostly restored.
Video from the scene showed a massive response. More than 140 fire and EMS personnel were called in.
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.
Two people suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Three others refused medical attention, according to officials. The five people injured were all rail workers, according to the FDNY.
One commuter said it has been a chaotic morning.
"Everything is shut down right now. A lot of people wait for the train. Everything is upside down," said Angelina Flores.
"I'm grateful to the brave firefighters and EMS members who responded quickly to extinguish this train fire and protect New Yorkers in a moment of danger," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on social media. "Let's keep those who were injured in our thoughts and wish them a swift, full recovery."
NJ Transit train alternatives
NJ Transit 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.
Some LIRR trains being diverted
LIRR service has been mostly restored, with only the Babylon branch being affected as of 8:30 a.m.
Click here to see the latest delays and cancellations for each branch.
Amtrak suspended until afternoon
Amtrak officials said service to and from New Jersey to New York and points south is suspended until at least noon.
Service from northern and eastern locations is also reduced. Passengers should expect lengthy delays, according to an Amtrak alert.
"Amtrak apologizes for the inconvenience and is providing rebooking opportunities and refunds while it works to return to scheduled service levels," a statement read.
