Evening rush hour on the Upper East Side turned into a crawl Thursday when a person walking on the tracks at the 86th Street station was struck by a train, tangling service along the Lexington Avenue lines and packing platforms with frustrated riders.
Emergency responders rushed the injured rider to a nearby hospital, as transit crews scrambled to reroute trains and clear the scene. Commuters reported crowded platforms and longer-than-usual waits while trains were held, delayed, or sent on alternate routes.
What happened
NYPD officers responded to a 911 call about a person on the tracks at the 86th Street station, where the individual was hit by an oncoming train, according to PIX11. The outlet reported that the rider was taken to a local hospital. Authorities have not released details on how the person ended up on the tracks or the extent of the injuries.
Service impacts
As crews worked at the scene, the MTA warned riders to brace for disruptions. Uptown No. 4 trains were shifted to the local track between 125th Street and Grand Central–42nd Street, while No. 5 trains were routed onto the No. 2 line in both directions, causing delays across multiple routes. Riders were urged to check the MTA's live alerts and the MTA app for real-time updates and alternate travel options, according to the MTA.
Alternatives and context
During incidents like this, the MTA typically runs express trains on local tracks or shares tracks between lines to keep trains moving, a workaround that can stretch commute times and cause skipped stops. PIX11 reported that riders along the Lexington Avenue corridor were pointed toward nearby subway lines and bus routes while service was adjusted.
Police and transit crews remained at 86th Street into the evening as investigators worked to clear the tracks and restore normal operations. This story will be updated if the NYPD or MTA releases additional information.
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