Long Island Rail Road commuters faced significant delays after a fire erupted in a tunnel near Grand Central Terminal on Tuesday morning. Service was suspended for hours as firefighters tackled the blaze. The halted service, which disrupted morning routines for countless individuals, resumed in the afternoon, according to information from ABC7NY.
The fire reportedly started around 8:15 a.m. from an electrical panel in a deep basement along the LIRR tracks at Grand Central Madison. Due to the fire all, LIRR service into and out of Grand Central was suspended, throwing a wrench into the daily commute of many. Full service was restored with the 2:41 p.m. train from Grand Central to Hempstead and the 2:34 p.m. train heading from Jamaica to Grand Central, noted the MTA. "Absolutely zero visibility down there, firefighters were met with heavy, heavy smoke and a significant amount of fire when they ultimately located the room where the fire was coming from," told FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker to ABC7NY.
Grand Central Madison concourse was closed off as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. During the incident, three firefighters, and one Long Island Rail Road power employee reportedly suffered minor injuries. The electrical fire has been put out, and the FDNY affirmed that the strenuous conditions faced by firefighters included "zero visibility" due to "heavy, heavy smoke," CBS New York reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation though initial findings suggest it originated from a traction power substation. Commuters witnessed resumed activity and movement in Grand Central by the afternoon, with the MTA expecting to operate normal rush hour service for the evening commute. Subway services, they noted, were not affected by the fire. As the inquiry into the incident unfolds, travelers are being reminded to check LIRR service updates, as authorities diligently ensure safety protocols are not just met, but exceeded in their comprehensive response to the event.
